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.
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
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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.
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