Define the Difference: Paraphrasing vs Summarizing Quiz

  • 6th Grade
Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Thames
T
Thames
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 8157 | Total Attempts: 9,566,648
| Questions: 20 | Updated: Jan 7, 2026
Please wait...
Question 1 / 20
🏆 Rank #--
Score 0/100
1. Which statement best explains the difference between a paraphrase and a summary?

Explanation

A paraphrase rewrites an idea without changing the length (rewording), while a summary reduces the length by focusing on the main idea and key points (condensing).

Submit
Please wait...
About This Quiz
Define The Difference: Paraphrasing Vs Summarizing Quiz - Quiz

Paraphrasing and summarizing serve different purposes in writing. In this paraphrasing vs summarizing quiz, you’ll compare how each skill handles original content. You’ll analyze length, detail, and intent, and determine which approach fits best. Each question clarifies the distinction and strengthens academic writing and comprehension skills.

2. The main goal of paraphrasing is to use your own words to achieve _______ without changing the meaning of the original text.

Explanation

The purpose of paraphrasing is to clarify or simplify the author's ideas while maintaining the original length and meaning.

Submit
3. A well-written summary will be approximately the same length as the original passage.

Explanation

This is false. A summary's primary function is to condense, meaning it must be significantly shorter than the original text.

Submit
4. If a writer wants to simplify a single, complex sentence from a source, the best technique to use is:

Explanation

Paraphrasing is the technique used to rewrite and clarify a small section of text (like a single sentence) using simpler language.

Submit
5. Which descriptions accurately apply to a summary? (Select all that apply)

Explanation

A summary must be shorter (A) and must include the main idea and essential details (B).

Submit
6. Both a good paraphrase and a good summary must maintain an objective, _______ tone that accurately reflects the source.

Explanation

Both techniques must avoid including the writer's opinions or bias; they should simply report the source material accurately.

Submit
7. What happens to the length of the original text when you successfully paraphrase it?

Explanation

A paraphrase retains the depth of the original idea, so the length stays nearly the same, even though the words change.

Submit
8. When you paraphrase, you are only allowed to change a few words; most of the sentence must stay the same.

Explanation

This is false. An effective paraphrase requires you to change the structure and most of the vocabulary to show full understanding, not just a few words (which can be plagiarism).

Submit
9. A student needs to write a short paragraph overview of an entire article. The best technique to use is:

Explanation

An overview of an entire article requires condensing the main points, which is the definition of summarizing.

Submit
10. Which actions are essential steps in creating an effective paraphrase? (Select all that apply)

Explanation

A successful paraphrase requires rewording the structure (A), changing the vocabulary (B), and ensuring the meaning remains accurate (D).

Submit
11. When a student copies a direct quote without using quotation marks, this is a form of _______.

Explanation

Both paraphrasing and summarizing require correct citation; failure to use quotation marks for direct copying is academic dishonesty.

Submit
12. Which statement accurately describes the purpose of a paraphrase?

Explanation

The primary purpose of paraphrasing is to restate the source material using different, often simpler, words for clarification.

Submit
13. The main idea of the original text must be included in both a summary and a paraphrase.

Explanation

This is true. The core idea must be present in a paraphrase (to keep the meaning) and in a summary (as the main point).

Submit
14. If a student is writing a summary, they must focus on including:

Explanation

A good summary condenses the text to the main idea and only the most important, key supporting details.

Submit
15. Which words describe the difference in form between a paraphrase and a summary? (Select all that apply)

Explanation

A summary focuses on Condensing/Shortening (A, C), while a paraphrase focuses on Rewording (B). Citing is necessary for both.

Submit
16. A paraphrase must be clearly _______ to the original author using a citation.

Explanation

Both paraphrases and summaries must give credit to the original source to avoid plagiarism.

Submit
17. Which of the following is an example of an unacceptable paraphrase?

Explanation

Changing only a few words while keeping the structure is a form of plagiarism, not an acceptable paraphrase.

Submit
18. A paraphrase is generally used when you need to focus on the overall conclusion of a long passage.

Explanation

This is false. Focusing on the overall conclusion of a long passage is the job of a summary. Paraphrasing focuses on specific details or sentences.

Submit
19. Which phrase best describes the process of summarizing?

Explanation

Summarizing involves taking the most important information (main points) and making them much shorter (brief).

Submit
20. A student knows the difference between a paraphrase and a summary if they understand that: (Select all that apply)

Explanation

Paraphrasing clarifies (A), summarizing shortens (B), and both require proper citation (C).

Submit
×
Saved
Thank you for your feedback!
View My Results
Cancel
  • All
    All (20)
  • Unanswered
    Unanswered ()
  • Answered
    Answered ()
Which statement best explains the difference between a paraphrase and...
The main goal of paraphrasing is to use your own words to achieve...
A well-written summary will be approximately the same length as the...
If a writer wants to simplify a single, complex sentence from a...
Which descriptions accurately apply to a summary? (Select all that...
Both a good paraphrase and a good summary must maintain an objective,...
What happens to the length of the original text when you successfully...
When you paraphrase, you are only allowed to change a few words; most...
A student needs to write a short paragraph overview of an entire...
Which actions are essential steps in creating an effective paraphrase?...
When a student copies a direct quote without using quotation marks,...
Which statement accurately describes the purpose of a paraphrase?
The main idea of the original text must be included in both a summary...
If a student is writing a summary, they must focus on including:
Which words describe the difference in form between a paraphrase and a...
A paraphrase must be clearly _______ to the original author using a...
Which of the following is an example of an unacceptable paraphrase?
A paraphrase is generally used when you need to focus on the overall...
Which phrase best describes the process of summarizing?
A student knows the difference between a paraphrase and a summary if...
Alert!