Grade 4 - Writing

Grade 4 Paraphrase a Source Worksheet

6 printable versions - Challenge Me - About 5 minutes each

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Paraphrase a Source

Grade 4 - Writing - Challenge Me

Worksheet 1

  1. Source: "A complete circuit needs an unbroken path from the battery through the wires and bulb." Which sentence is the best paraphrase?

  2. Which choice copies the source too closely? Source: "Compost forms when tiny organisms break down food scraps, leaves, and other once-living materials."

  3. Which paraphrase changes the source meaning and should be rejected? Source: "Rain gardens collect water from roofs and pavement so it can soak slowly into the ground."

  4. Which note would help a writer paraphrase this source? "Primary sources are records from the time of an event, such as letters, photographs, maps, or diary entries."

  5. Why is this a strong paraphrase: "A bulb lights only when the battery, wires, and bulb form a path with no break."

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About this worksheet

Paraphrasing means restating source information in new words while keeping the meaning accurate. It is not enough to swap one or two words, and it is not acceptable to add an opinion that the source did not support. Fourth graders are just beginning to use sources in research and explanatory writing, so they need practice seeing the difference among a true paraphrase, a copied sentence, an inaccurate statement, and a personal reaction. This worksheet gives one source sentence at a time and asks children to choose the best paraphrase or useful note. Parents should watch for answers that keep the exact sentence structure of the source. A strong paraphrase changes the wording and structure while preserving the important facts clearly.

What your child will learn

  • Restate source information in new words
  • Keep the source meaning accurate
  • Avoid copying the source sentence
  • Use notes to support a paraphrase

Worked example

If a source says rain gardens collect runoff so water soaks into soil, a paraphrase can say they catch runoff and let it sink slowly into the ground.

Common mistake

Changing only one word from the source and calling the copied sentence a paraphrase.

Helpful hint

Keep the facts, but change the wording and sentence structure.

Edit for ConventionsUse Sensory Details

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with paraphrase a source?
Changing only one word from the source and calling the copied sentence a paraphrase.
How can I help my child with paraphrase a source?
Keep the facts, but change the wording and sentence structure.
Are these 4th grade writing worksheets free to print?
Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

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