Reading Worksheet · Grades 5–7
Summarizing vs. Paraphrasing Worksheet
A 3-page worksheet for grades 5-7 that separates two often-confused reading moves: summarizing (shortening a whole text to its key points) and paraphrasing (rewording one part in your own words at about the same length). Students read a short passage about rainforest layers, then label 8 sample responses as summary or paraphrase in Section A, and answer 6 short-response items in Section B. Includes a reference and a complete answer key.
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Subject
Reading
Grades
Grades 5–7
Skill Focus
Summarizing vs. Paraphrasing, reading comprehension
Lesson Length
25 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Summarizing and paraphrasing are both ways of restating a text, which is exactly why students blur them. A summary SHORTENS the whole thing to its key points; a paraphrase REWORDS one part and stays about the same length. Knowing which move a task calls for – a brief summary of a chapter, or a clear paraphrase of a single hard sentence – is a core comprehension and note-taking skill. This worksheet pins the distinction down.
The reference box at the top of page 1 defines both moves and gives the key clue (a summary is shorter and covers the WHOLE; a paraphrase is the same length and covers ONE part), using a generic library-rules-notice example. The example does NOT mention the rainforest or any passage content – the reference teaches the SKILL, not the answers. A short passage about rainforest layers and sloths follows.
Section A on page 1, just below the passage, lists 8 sample reader responses and asks students to label each summary or paraphrase. The 2 summary items compress several key points of the passage into one sentence; the 6 paraphrase items each reword a single sentence at similar length. Students judge by scope and length, not by topic. Note that every paraphrase item genuinely rewords the original rather than copying it – a built-in model of the move.
Section B on page 2 moves to production and application. Students explain the difference, write a one-sentence summary of the whole passage, paraphrase a single quoted sentence, reason about when to paraphrase rather than summarize, explain why a paraphrase keeps its length, and name a school situation where summarizing is the better choice. Page 3 is a complete answer key.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and contrast the summary and paraphrase of the library-rules notice.
Have students read the rainforest passage independently.
Work Section A item 1 together; ask whether it covers the WHOLE passage or just one part.
Assign the rest of Section A independently or with a partner; require students to justify each label by scope and length.
Use Section B item 11 (paraphrase one sentence) as a quick partner check that the wording is genuinely changed.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or aide spot-check; the 8 Section A labels are unambiguous, the Section B samples are sample-only.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Summarizing vs. Paraphrasing Worksheet
A 3-page worksheet for grades 5-7 that separates two often-confused reading moves: summarizing (shortening a whole text to its key points) and paraphrasing (rewording one part in your own words at about the same length). Students read a short passage about rainforest layers, then label 8 sample responses as summary or paraphrase in Section A, and answer 6 short-response items in Section B. Includes a reference and a complete answer key.
For Teachers
Teaching this? Here is the full lesson plan
Summarizing: Keeping What Matters, Cutting the Rest — a complete 45-minute lesson plan for Grades 6-8: objectives, warm-up, direct instruction, guided and independent practice, assessment, and differentiation. Free to read, no sign-in required. This resource is one of the student materials it uses.
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