Paraphrasing: Turning Research Into Your Own Words

Write the research facts your way with this axolotl-themed worksheet! Students will practice the essential research skill of taking notes without copying directly from a source. Learners will read an informational text about axolotls, identify its key ideas and supporting details, and record notes using keywords and short phrases. Then, they will use those notes to paraphrase the information in their own words.

Designed for sixth- through eighth-grade students, this worksheet strengthens research, reading comprehension, and explanatory writing skills. Students will develop confidence identifying important information and transforming their notes into original writing. These foundational skills prepare learners for longer research projects and equip them with strategies they will continue to use throughout middle school and beyond.

Looking for more research and writing practice? Pair this worksheet with related resources to help students continue building strong research habits. Check out Paraphrasing: Photosynthesis and Paraphrasing: Asteroids and Meteors.