PARAPHRASING

Teacher Guidelines ▶ pages 1 – 3

4-6
Instructional Pages ▶ pages 4 – 5
Activity Page ▶ pages 6 – 10
Practice Page ▶ page 11
GRADE

Homework Page
Answer Key
▶
▶
page 12
pages 13 – 14
 Classroom Procedure:
1. Prepare a short 2 or 3 sentence passage to whisper to one
student in the class. Send the student into the hall with
another student. The first student repeats the information
to the other student in his or her own words then returns
to the classroom. Send another student to receive the
information again in the 2nd student’s own words. Repeat
3 or 4 times. The last student returns to the class and
repeats the message in his or her own words.
2. Read the original passage. Ask students if it is the same or
if it is paraphrased. Ask students if they know the difference
between paraphrasing, summarizing, and summarizing.
3. Allow for responses and discussion. Introduce paraphrasing.
4. Distribute Paraphrasing content pages. Read and review
the information with the students. Use the additional
resources to enhance understanding.
5. Distribute Activity page. Read and carefully review the
instructions. Group students in 3s or 4s. Distribute one
passage to each group. Once the first step is completed,
collect all original passages. The students will be
“paraphrasing the paraphrased” passages.
6. Once all steps have been completed, read aloud the original
passages and then students will read the paraphrased
versions. Do this until all passages have been read aloud
along.
Hold a class discussion using the questions at the end of
the activity. Allow for student’s responses. Stress the
importance of not plagiarizing and to cite resources when
necessary. You may also discuss the problems with
plagiarizing and the importance for students to avoid it.
7. Distribute Practice page. Check and review the students’
responses. Allow several students to share their responses.
Approximate Grade Level: 4 – 6
Objectives: The students will be able to
define paraphrase, distinguish it from
summarizing and plagiarism, and correctly
paraphrase selected text and passages.
State Educational Standards*
LB.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.2
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.8
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.8
Class Sessions (45 minutes):
At least 2 class sessions.
Teaching Materials/Worksheets:
Paraphrasing content pages (2), Activity
pages (2), Activity passage pages (2)
Practice page, Homework page
Student Supplies:
handouts
Prepare Ahead of Time:
Copy handouts.
Options for Lesson: Students may work
alone or in larger groups for the activity.
Repeat the activity several more times. Use
additional stories or tales for students to
paraphrase for practice or as a homework
assignment. Use current reading material
for students to paraphrase.
*Lessons are aligned to meet the education objectives and goals of
most states. For more information on your state objectives, contact
your local Board of Education or Department of Education in your state.
1
8. Distribute the Homework page. Review the instructions. Allow volunteers to share the paraphrased story.
Next, students share personal events from their life, original and paraphrased.
9. In closing, ask students to: Think of a favorite quote or saying from a famous person. Paraphrase it to
the class. Students write the original quote or saying, and then paraphrase it in their own words.
10. Allow students to share the paraphrased quote or saying, then other students try guess the original quote.

2
 Teacher Notes
The lesson introduces students to paraphrasing selections of text correctly. The students will also learn the
difference between summarizing and paraphrasing. In addition, plagiarism is discussed and reasons are
given why it’s wrong to plagiarize another person’s work. Due to technology, plagiarism today has become
an issue in many schools at all grade levels. It is important for students to recognize the problems with
plagiarism, and using paraphrasing can be an effective tool to combat the issue.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________

3
Paraphrasing
Para-what?
You know the definition of paragraph, which is mostly
a group of sentences about a single topic. A phrase
is a brief expression consisting of two or more words. If you take the first syllable in paragraph: para-, and
add it to the word phrase, you have created the new word: paraphrase.
Paraphrasing is writing another person’s ideas, or something you read or hear, into your own words. Many
people confuse paraphrasing with summarizing. Summarizing is writing only the most important points
of someone else’s words. Both are okay to do, however, sometimes when people try to paraphrase or
summarize, they do something that is wrong and illegal, they plagiarize.
Plagiarism is using someone else’s work and turning it in as your own. It is copying words or ideas from another
person. This also includes changing words in a sentence but keeping the same format. Plagiarism is cheating.
Review the following and notice the difference between paraphrasing, summarizing, and plagiarizing:
We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have
This is the original text that come to dedicate a portion of it, as a final resting place for
Original needs to be paraphrased or those who died here, that the nation might live.
summarized.
Taken from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
During Lincoln’s speech, he reminded his audience they
Writing another person’s were standing in the same spot where 51,000 soldiers
Paraphrasing ideas in your own words. had died. They died while defending the U.S. and its
Often includes more details. citizens. The place they died must be a place of honor for
the soldiers, so they may never be forgotten.
During Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, he reminded the
Writing just the most
people listening that many people died during the Battle
Summarizing important points from
of Gettysburg, and they should never be forgotten. The
someone else’s words.
nation lives on because of their deaths.
Copying the words, using
We are together in the combat zone of the Battle of
it without permission, not
Plagiarizing Gettysburg. We are here to devote a part of this place for
giving credit to the person,
people who died here so the nation can go on living.
keeping the same format.
Do you recognize the differences between each paragraph? For paraphrasing, the writer has used his or her
own words. In the plagiarized version, synonyms are used and the format has not been changed. Details
have also been added to the paraphrased paragraph. In the summarized text, it reminds readers who wrote
the words as well as expresses the most important points.

4
Steps to Paraphrasing
1. Read the original text until you understand all of it. This does not mean to memorize it. When
someone tells you a story, you do not repeat it word for word. You retell the story in your own words because
you know it and understand it.
2. After “getting to know” the original, paraphrase it. Write it down. Do this just like you would retell
a story, but instead, it is written down on paper.
3. You may need to paraphrase one paragraph, or just a few sentences, at a time. Depending on the
length of the original, you may need to break down the material into smaller pieces.
4. For multiple paragraphs, jot down a couple of words to help you recall a paragraph’s topic. This
will help you later when it is time to pull everything together.
5. Use quotation marks if there is a short quote or phrase which will be written exactly as it appears
in the original. Sometimes every word or sentence cannot or should not be paraphrased. For example,
at the end of the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln uses these words, which are famous: “…government of the
people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
6. Keep track of your sources and the page numbers. You may need to use it later when including
information in your final paper.
7. Review the text and be sure it’s in your own words and covers the topic and ideas.
Prevent Plagiarism
DO NOT:
• Cut and paste words or sentences from the Internet into your papers.
• Just change the words of a text with synonyms and count it as your own work
• Rearrange the words of a passage into a different order.
• Use video or pictures from websites without permission.
• Take the easy way out to do your work- you will not learn.
Paraphrasing may sometimes seem difficult and you will be tempted to skip steps and plagiarize instead.
However, this is cheating.
You paraphrase throughout the day without realizing it. When you watch a show or a movie and you tell a
friend about it. You paraphrased. You retold the plot using your own words, but said it aloud.
Paraphrasing while reading and writing is simply writing things down in your own words. Not only will you
learn more information about what you read, you will also become a better writer.

Think of a favorite quote or saying from a

famous person. Paraphrase it to the class.

5
 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

Instructions
1. Paraphrase the passage assigned by the teacher in the following space:

2. Each group member will read it to the other members of the group.
3. The group will choose ONE of the passages and pass it to another group.
4. Next, each of you will paraphrase the NEW passage you have received from another group in the following
space: (One person will read it aloud a couple of times.)

5. Again, read the above to other members of your group.

6. The group once again chooses ONE of the passages and passes along to a second group.
7. Next, each of you will paraphrase the second NEW passage you have received from another group in
the following space: (One person will read it aloud a couple of times.)

6
 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

8. Again, read the above to other members of your group.

9. The group once again chooses ONE of the passages and passes along to a third group.
10. Next, each of you will paraphrase the third NEW passage you have received from another group in the
following space: (One person will read it aloud a couple of times.)

11. Once again, read your above paraphrased passage to the group members.
12. The group again chooses ONE of the passages. This time it will not be passed on, but will be shared
aloud with class at the end of the activity.
Once all groups have completed the work, the various original passages will be read aloud to the class along
with the paraphrased passages written by the different groups. Discuss the following as a class:
Are the paraphrased passages effective? Are the paraphrased passages simply summaries? Would any
of them be considered plagiarized? What are some of the problems with trying to effectively paraphrase a
passage? What stood out the most about the best written paragraphs?

7
 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

Teacher’s Use Only for the Activity:

The following are the passages to be assigned to the different groups for paraphrasing. One student from
each group should read it aloud to the other group members 2 or 3 times. Cut apart the passages. (Encourage
students to try and paraphrase without viewing the paragraph.)

In a field one summer’s day a Grasshopper was The Hare was once boasting of his speed before
hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart’s the other animals. “I have never yet been beaten,”
content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great said he, “when I put forth my full speed. I challenge
toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest. any one here to race with me.”

“Why not come and chat with me,” said the The Tortoise said quietly, “I accept your challenge.”
Grasshopper, “instead of toiling and moiling in that “That is a good joke,” said the Hare; “I could dance
way?” round you all the way.”
“I am helping to lay up food for the winter,” said the “Keep your boasting till you’ve won,” answered the
Ant, “and recommend you to do the same.” Tortoise. “Shall we race?”
“Why bother about winter?” said the Grasshopper; So, a course was fixed and a start was made. The
“We have got plenty of food at present.” But the Ant Hare darted almost out of sight at once, but soon
went on its way and continued its toil. stopped and, to show his contempt for the Tortoise,
When the winter came, the Grasshopper had lay down to have a nap. The Tortoise plodded on
no food and found itself dying of hunger - while and plodded on, and when the Hare awoke from
it saw the ants distributing every day corn and his nap, he saw the Tortoise just near the winning-
grain from the stores they had collected in the post and could not run up in time to save the race.
summer. Then the Grasshopper knew: It is best to Then the Tortoise said: “Slow but steady progress
prepare for days of need. (Aesop’s The Ant and the wins the race.” (Aesop’s The Tortoise and the
Grasshopper) Hare”)

8
 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, A season is a period of the year which has different
Massachusetts, in 1706 and was the 15th child of temperatures, weather patterns and changes in
17 children. Ben’s father was a candle maker. Ben nature from the other periods. The parts of the
stopped going to school when he was 10 years-old Earth located halfway between the North and
but spent the rest of his life reading and learning on South Poles usually experience the four seasons,
his own. such as in the United States.
Ben was a major contributor to society and Every place on Earth though does not experience
the United States. He was not only one of the every season. In some places, it feels like the
Founding Fathers of America, but he was also a summer or winter all year long, especially those
famous inventor and a diplomat. closest to the equator or the poles. In other places,
The kite and storm refers to his work as an inventor summer and winter may be hotter or colder, but still
and extensive experimentation with electricity experience four seasons.
proving that lightning is really electricity. Seasons occur due to the rotation of the Earth
In addition, he was involved in the struggle of the on its axis. One half of the Earth, called its
early colonies to become a country separate from hemisphere, leans toward the Sun, and the other
Great Britain. half leans away.

You may not be familiar with the time-sweepers.

The time-sweepers are the people who sweep up
all the time that is lost and wasted. You cannot see
them, though if you are in the railway station and
think you see something out of the corner of your
eye, that will probably be a time-sweeper, cleaning
up around the bench you are sitting on. If you were
to see them, you would find a small, bluish person
with an intent expression, clutching a broom and
a mop. The men wear overalls, the women old-
fashioned tweed skirts and scarves on their head.
(From The Time-Sweepers by Ursula Wills-Jones)
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we
cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground.
The brave men, living and dead, who struggled
here, have consecrated it, far above our poor
power to add or detract. The world will little note,
nor long remember what we say here, but it can
never forget what they did here. (Taken from
Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address)

9
 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise

up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We
A good economy is usually defined as one where hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
there are many jobs that pay well, businesses are created equal.”
making money, and the economy is growing, which
means there are additional jobs created each year I have a dream that one day on the red hills of
as the population increases, and wages keep up Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons
with the costs of goods and services. of former slave owners will be able to sit down
together at the table of brotherhood.
On the other hand, a bad economy is the opposite,
people begin losing jobs, businesses may be I have a dream that one day even the state of
shutting down, and wages are not high enough to Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of
purchase goods or services. There are no new injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression,
jobs created or new businesses started. will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and
justice. (Taken from Martin Luther King’s speech I
Have a Dream)

10
 Practice Name __________________________ Date _________

Paraphrase each original passage from Beatrix Potter’s, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
1. Mr. McGregor was on his hands and knees planting out young cabbages, but he jumped up and ran after
Peter, waving a rake and calling out, “Stop thief.”
2. Mr. McGregor was quite sure that Peter was somewhere in the toolshed, perhaps hidden underneath a
flower pot. He began to turn them over carefully, looking under each.
3. Peter sat down to rest; he was out of breath and trembling with fright, and he had not the least idea which
way to go. Also, he was very damp with sitting in that can.
4. He found a door in a wall; but it was locked, and there was no room for a fat little rabbit to squeeze
underneath.
5. Mr. McGregor caught sight of him at the corner, but Peter did not care. He slipped underneath the gate,
and was safe at last in the wood outside the garden.
6. Mr. McGregor hung up the little jacket and the shoes for a scare-crow to frighten the blackbirds.
7. He was so tired that he flopped down upon the nice soft sand on the floor of the rabbit-hole, and shut his
eyes. His mother was busy cooking; she wondered what he had done with his clothes. It was the second
little jacket and pair of shoes that Peter had lost in a fortnight!
8. I am sorry to say that Peter was not very well during the evening. His mother put him to bed, and made
some chamomile tea; and she gave a dose of it to Peter!

11
 Homework Name __________________________ Date _________

Paraphrase in your own words the following Aesop story, The Boy Who Cried Wolf.
A shepherd-boy, who watched a flock of sheep near a village, brought out the villagers three or four times by
crying out, “Wolf! Wolf!” and when his neighbors came to help him, laughed at them for their pains.
     The Wolf, however, did truly come at last. The Shepherd-boy, now really alarmed, shouted in an agony
of terror: «Pray, do come and help me; the Wolf is killing the sheep»; but no one paid any heed to his cries,
nor rendered any assistance. The Wolf, having no cause of fear, at his leisure lacerated or destroyed the
whole flock.
     There is no believing a liar, even when he speaks the truth.
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Write about some events from your life. Then, paraphrase and write about them again.
Original: _____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Paraphrased: _________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

12
 Practice Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Paraphrase each original passage from Beatrix Potter’s, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
1. Mr. McGregor was on his hands and knees planting out young cabbages, but he jumped up and ran after
Peter, waving a rake and calling out, “Stop thief.”
The owner, Mr. McGregor, had been taking care of his garden. Peter must have been stealing some
things from the garden because the owner of it yelled for the “thief” to stop.
2. Mr. McGregor was quite sure that Peter was somewhere in the toolshed, perhaps hidden underneath a
flower pot. He began to turn them over carefully, looking under each.
Mr. McGregor had a feeling that Peter was hiding in a toolshed, most likely under one of the flower pots.
He took his time searching for Peter.
3. Peter sat down to rest; he was out of breath and trembling with fright, and he had not the least idea which
way to go. Also, he was very damp with sitting in that can.
Peter was tired, wet, and scared trying to figure out what to do next when he sat down.
4. He found a door in a wall; but it was locked, and there was no room for a fat little rabbit to squeeze
underneath.
Peter was too fat to crawl underneath a locked door.
5. Mr. McGregor caught sight of him at the corner, but Peter did not care. He slipped underneath the gate,
and was safe at last in the wood outside the garden.
Even though Peter realized he was seen by Mr. McGregor, he didn’t care anymore because he was able
to slip away.
6. Mr. McGregor hung up the little jacket and the shoes for a scare-crow to frighten the blackbirds.
Mr. McGregor made a scarecrow out of some clothing.
7. He was so tired that he flopped down upon the nice soft sand on the floor of the rabbit-hole, and shut his
eyes. His mother was busy cooking; she wondered what he had done with his clothes. It was the second
little jacket and pair of shoes that Peter had lost in a fortnight!
Even though Peter’s mother was busy, she took a moment and noticed some of his clothes were missing
again. Peter was too tired to notice as he went to sleep.
8. I am sorry to say that Peter was not very well during the evening. His mother put him to bed, and made
some chamomile tea; and she gave a dose of it to Peter!
Peter became sick and his mother took care of him.

13
 Homework Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Paraphrase in your own words the Aesop story, The Boy Who Cried Wolf.
A shepherd-boy, who watched a flock of sheep near a village, brought out the villagers three or four times by
crying out, “Wolf! Wolf!” and when his neighbors came to help him, laughed at them for their pains.
     The Wolf, however, did truly come at last. The Shepherd-boy, now really alarmed, shouted in an agony
of terror: «Pray, do come and help me; the Wolf is killing the sheep»; but no one paid any heed to his cries,
nor rendered any assistance. The Wolf, having no cause of fear, at his leisure lacerated or destroyed the
whole flock.
     There is no believing a liar, even when he speaks the truth.
Once upon a time there was a boy whose job was to take care of sheep in an area outside of town. Several
times he would yell about a wolf attacking the sheep. People thought he was telling the truth and they would
run and try to help, but instead he laughed at them.
Once though, a wolf really did show up and the boy yelled for help. However, the people figured he was
lying again and ignored him. The wolf killed all the sheep.
The moral of the story is: If you lie no one will believe you the next time you tell the truth.
Write about some events from your life. Then, paraphrase and write about them again.
Original: _____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Paraphrased: _________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

14