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WorksheetYear 9Level 2 · Standard

Free Year 9 Paraphrasing Sources and Writing a Summary in Your Own Words Worksheet

Students learn to use information from a source without copying it. Working with an original article about bees, they identify the main idea of each paragraph, separate key points from supporting detail, judge which paraphrases change the wording but keep the meaning, paraphrase sentences in their own words, and write a concise summary that names its source.

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Year
Year 9
Subject
English
Topic
Informative Writing
Difficulty
Level 2 · Standard
Estimated time
35 minutes
Curriculum
New Zealand Curriculum
Questions
10
Answers
Included, with working
Format
PDF (A4), print or complete online

Students will practise

  • identifying the main idea of each paragraph in a source
  • distinguishing key points from supporting detail
  • paraphrasing without changing the meaning
  • writing a concise summary in their own words
  • acknowledging a source to avoid plagiarism

Curriculum: New Zealand Curriculum. We show specific outcome codes only where they have been verified against the official curriculum document.

What's next?

Completed: Paraphrasing Sources and Writing a Summary in Your Own Words

  1. 1Using Evidence in Informative Writing: Facts, Statistics and Quotations
  2. 2Persuasive Techniques in Speeches
  3. 3Text Analysis: Character, Setting and Mood in a Short Story Opening
  4. 4Poetry Analysis: Imagery, Sound and Structure

How to use this worksheet

  1. Print the PDF or complete it on screen. Write the student's name and date at the top.
  2. Read the instructions for each part together before starting. Encourage working to be shown.
  3. Mark with the answer sheet. Use the model answers and success criteria as a guide rather than a single right answer.
  4. Record the score, celebrate what went well, then follow the "What's next" suggestion.

Common questions

Who is this worksheet for?

Year 9 students (typically ages 13–14) working on informative writing. It is pitched at level 2 · standard.

Are the answers included?

Yes. The PDF includes a full answer sheet with model answers and success criteria where there is more than one good answer. You can also view the answers online.

How long does it take?

About 35 minutes for 10 questions. Short, regular sessions work best: two or three a week beats one long one.

Do I need to sign up to download?

No. Click Download Free PDF and it opens immediately. It is free for personal, classroom and homeschool use.

What should we do next?

Try Using Evidence in Informative Writing: Facts, Statistics and Quotations.

Preview

Success TutoringWorksheetsYear 9 · English · Informative Writing

Paraphrasing Sources and Writing a Summary in Your Own Words

Name

Date

Score /

Read, cover, write, check: understand the source first, then write it in your own words.

Part A: Main ideas and details

1.Which is the best statement of the main idea of paragraph [1]?
  1. ABees make honey.
  2. BBees pollinate plants by carrying pollen from flower to flower, which allows plants to make seeds and fruit.
  3. CBees have fine hairs on their bodies.
  4. DFlowers produce nectar.
2.Write the main idea of paragraph [2] in no more than 12 words. (answer space)
3.Write the main idea of paragraph [3] in no more than 15 words. (answer space)
4.Write the main idea of paragraph [4] in no more than 12 words. (answer space)
5.The list "Apples, almonds, blueberries and pumpkins" is a key point that must appear in a short summary. ☐ True   ☐ False

Part B: Paraphrasing

A good paraphrase uses your own words and sentence structure but keeps the original meaning. Changing only one or two words is still copying.

6.Original: "Many of the crops that people eat depend on pollinators." Which is the best paraphrase?
  1. AMany of the crops that people eat rely on pollinators.
  2. BA large number of the foods we grow need insects such as bees to pollinate them.
  3. CPollinators eat many crops.
  4. DCrops are important.
7.Original: "The causes are complex, but researchers point to the loss of wild flowers and nesting places." Which paraphrase changes the meaning?
  1. AScientists say there are several reasons, including fewer wild flowers and places to nest.
  2. BResearchers have found that the only cause is the loss of wild flowers.
  3. CAlthough there is no single cause, the disappearance of wild flowers and nesting sites is one factor experts identify.
8.Paraphrase in your own words: "Planting a variety of flowers that bloom at different times of year gives bees food across the seasons." (answer space)
9.List three strategies for paraphrasing well. (answer space)
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Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.

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About this resource

Created by
Success Tutoring
Last reviewed
1 October 2026
How it was made
Written by our team

Free to print and share for personal, classroom and homeschool use. Please don't resell. Spotted an error? Let us know.