Inquiry and Research: Paraphrasing vs. Plagiarism (TEKS.ELA.8.12.G)
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Texas 8th Grade ELA › Inquiry and Research: Paraphrasing vs. Plagiarism (TEKS.ELA.8.12.G)
Many Texas communities rely on underground aquifers for drinking water, but those reserves refill slowly in dry years. When drought stretches across the state, people pump more than nature replaces, causing wells to drop and springs to fade. Cities often restrict lawn watering and encourage native plants that use less moisture. Farmers adapt by improving irrigation and planting drought-tolerant crops. Conservation does not mean going without; it means using water wisely so households, farms, and wildlife can endure long hot spells. Planning ahead helps towns balance growth with limited supplies, protecting rivers and aquifers for the future for all Texans.
Which student version is an acceptable paraphrase of the passage?
According to the article, many Texas towns depend on aquifers that recharge slowly in dry periods. During drought, pumping can outpace natural refill, lowering wells and springs. Cities limit irrigation and promote native landscaping, while farmers upgrade watering systems and choose drought-tolerant varieties. Conservation means using water carefully so people, agriculture, and wildlife can handle long heat, and planning guides growth while safeguarding rivers and aquifers.
Many Texas communities rely on underground aquifers for drinking water, which refill slowly in dry years. When drought stretches across the state, people pump more than nature replaces, so wells drop and springs fade. Cities restrict lawn watering and encourage native plants, and farmers plant drought-tolerant crops. Conservation does not mean going without; it balances growth with limited supplies to protect rivers and aquifers (Source).
Texas towns should save water by switching landscaping and improving irrigation so resources last longer. This shows how planning helps a region manage growth and protect nature.
Aquifers in Texas refill quickly after any storm, so conservation means cutting off farms first. Planning mostly encourages more lawn watering to keep cities green.
Explanation
Option A substantially rephrases and reorganizes the ideas, keeps them accurate, and gives attribution. B is too close to the original wording even with a citation. C uses original language but lacks attribution and is too general. D changes the meaning and introduces inaccuracies.
Recycling aluminum cans saves far more energy than making new metal from ore. Smelting raw bauxite demands crushing rock, transporting materials, and heating them to very high temperatures, which uses large amounts of electricity. In contrast, recycled aluminum melts at a lower energy cost because the metal is already refined. Manufacturers can turn used cans into new products quickly, reducing fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. Collecting and sorting cans still takes effort, but the overall savings are significant. When communities recycle consistently, they conserve resources, lower pollution, and keep valuable materials in use instead of in landfills for years.
Which student version is an acceptable paraphrase of the passage?
Recycling aluminum cans saves far more energy than making new metal from ore. Smelting raw bauxite means crushing rock, moving it, and heating it to very high temperatures, which uses large amounts of electricity and creates emissions (Source).
Turning used cans back into aluminum products generally takes less energy because the metal has already been refined, and this choice cuts pollution and saves resources by keeping material out of landfills.
Mining and smelting new aluminum usually require less energy than recycling, so communities should focus on disposal rather than reuse.
According to the passage, recycling aluminum is far more energy-efficient than producing it from bauxite: refining ore requires energy-heavy crushing, transport, and high-heat processing, while melting scrap aluminum uses less energy and helps reduce fuel use and emissions overall.
Explanation
Option D clearly rewords and reorganizes the explanation, remains accurate, and credits the passage. A is too close to the original language even with a citation. B has original language but lacks attribution. C reverses the meaning and is inaccurate.
Along the Texas coast, salt marshes form a flexible border between land and sea. Their grasses slow incoming waves and soak up storm surge, reducing erosion during hurricanes. Marsh plants trap sediment, helping shorelines rebuild after high water. These wetlands also act like nurseries for shrimp, crabs, and many fish that later support commercial and recreational fishing. When marshes are drained or filled, nearby communities lose natural protection and wildlife declines. Restoring tidal flow, planting native grasses, and setting aside space for marsh migration can help these habitats keep pace with rising seas and continue sheltering people and animals safely.
Which student version is an acceptable paraphrase of the passage?
Along the Texas coast, salt marshes form a flexible border where grasses slow incoming waves and soak up storm surge, trapping sediment and acting like nurseries for shrimp, crabs, and fish. When marshes are drained or filled, protection is lost; restoring tidal flow and planting native grasses help with rising seas (Source).
According to the passage, Texas coastal marshes cushion communities by weakening waves and absorbing surge, rebuild shorelines by catching sediment, and support fisheries by sheltering young marine life. If these wetlands are removed, both wildlife and people lose benefits, so restoration and space for marsh migration help them keep up with rising seas.
Marshes stop all hurricanes, eliminate erosion altogether, and make fishing unnecessary, so protecting them means storms will no longer be dangerous on the Texas coast.
Coastal wetlands can slow waves, store water, and provide habitat for young animals, and restoring them is helpful for nearby towns.
Explanation
Option B thoroughly rephrases the main points, keeps them accurate, and includes attribution. A copies too much original wording even with a citation. C exaggerates and changes the meaning. D has original language but lacks attribution.
During prolonged Texas droughts, communities face shrinking reservoirs and stressed aquifers. Conservation at home can ease pressure on shared supplies. Experts recommend fixing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, and choosing native plants that require less watering. Capturing rain in barrels helps irrigate gardens without tapping municipal systems. Cities also adjust watering schedules, encourage xeriscaping, and invest in repairing aging pipes to reduce loss. While individual steps seem small, together they prevent shortages and protect rivers for wildlife and recreation. Preparing before drought—by auditing water use and upgrading equipment—makes neighborhoods more resilient when rainfall is scarce. Public education builds lasting conservation habits.
Which student version is an appropriate paraphrase that avoids plagiarism and remains accurate?
According to the passage, during long Texas droughts, communities face shrinking reservoirs and stressed aquifers. People should fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures, plant natives, and use rain barrels to water gardens without tapping municipal systems (source).
Experts say droughts make rivers unsafe for recreation and citizens should water lawns more often to protect native plants.
A state guidance article explains that Texas towns can prepare for dry spells by cutting household waste, such as repairing leaks, upgrading efficient fixtures, and landscaping with drought-tolerant species. It also notes that collecting rain for gardens and city investments in pipe repairs and watering rules work together so small actions add up, easing demand and safeguarding rivers.
Preparing before dry weather by checking how much water you use, switching to efficient devices, and landscaping for the climate makes neighborhoods sturdier, and rain barrels lessen the pull on city supplies.
Explanation
C substantially rewords and restructures the ideas, stays accurate, and includes clear attribution. A is too close to the original wording even with a citation. B distorts the meaning. D shows original phrasing but lacks attribution.
Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and some birds transfer pollen between flowers, allowing many plants to produce fruits and seeds. About one out of every three bites of food depends on pollination, including apples, almonds, and squash. Declines in pollinator populations arise from habitat loss, pesticide exposure, disease, and climate shifts that disrupt blooming times. Home gardeners can help by planting diverse, pesticide-free flowers that bloom across seasons and by providing shallow water. Contrary to common belief, honey bees are not the only important pollinators; native species often specialize in local plants and can be more efficient in certain habitats.
Which student version appropriately paraphrases the passage with accurate content and proper attribution?
According to a science explainer, many foods rely on animals moving pollen, and pollinator numbers are falling because of habitat loss, pesticides, disease, and climate-related timing mismatches. The article advises gardeners to offer chemical-free, season-long blooms and water. It also clarifies that native pollinators, not just honey bees, play crucial roles and may outperform honey bees on local plants.
The passage says pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and some birds transfer pollen between flowers, letting plants make fruits and seeds (source).
Planting a mix of flowers through the year and skipping pesticides helps wild pollinators, many of which are actually better than honey bees on hometown plants.
Because pollinators are disappearing mostly from cold weather, the best fix is planting only one kind of flower and adding more honey bees.
Explanation
A is a well-reworded, accurate paraphrase that includes attribution. B is too close to the original wording despite a citation. C omits attribution. D misstates causes and solutions, sacrificing accuracy.
Along the Texas Gulf Coast, hurricanes bring high winds, heavy rain, and storm surge that pushes seawater inland. Flooding can damage homes, roads, and utilities, and recovery often takes months. Emergency planners urge residents to assemble supply kits, know evacuation routes, and heed official warnings early. Communities reduce risk by improving drainage, elevating critical facilities, and preserving wetlands that absorb surge. Scientists report that warmer oceans can fuel stronger storms, increasing rainfall rates. While no plan removes all danger, preparation and resilient design lessen impacts, helping neighborhoods reopen faster and protecting essential services when a major storm strikes the coast.
Which student version is an acceptable, accurately attributed paraphrase rather than plagiarism?
Along the Texas Gulf Coast, hurricanes bring high winds, heavy rain, and storm surge that pushes seawater inland, damaging homes, roads, and utilities (source).
Scientists agree preparation is unnecessary because new seawalls remove all danger from storms.
Keeping wetlands, raising key buildings, and clearing drains can help towns bounce back faster after a big storm, and families should pack kits and follow routes early.
A coastal safety brief explains that stronger storms, fueled by warmer oceans, can dump more rain and drive surge inland. It recommends household steps—stocking supplies, learning evacuation paths, and responding early to alerts—and community strategies like drainage upgrades, elevating vital sites, and protecting wetlands to blunt flooding so services return sooner.
Explanation
D meaningfully rephrases, remains accurate, and cites the source. A is too close to the original language. B is inaccurate. C uses original wording but lacks attribution.
Teenagers need adequate sleep to support attention, mood, and healthy growth, yet many fall short on school nights. Screen time before bed can delay sleep by stimulating the brain and exposing eyes to blue light, which interferes with the body's melatonin signals. Caffeine consumed late in the day also makes it harder to fall asleep. Experts suggest creating a winding-down routine, silencing notifications, and charging devices outside the bedroom. Keeping a consistent schedule, even on weekends, helps reset the body clock. Small changes, practiced steadily, improve alertness in class and reduce the groggy feeling many students report in the morning.
Which student version best demonstrates acceptable paraphrasing that preserves meaning and provides attribution?
Screen time before bed can delay sleep by stimulating the brain and exposing eyes to blue light, which interferes with melatonin (source).
According to a health article, teens often miss needed sleep because evening screens and late caffeine keep the brain alert and disrupt melatonin. The piece recommends a steady pre-bed routine, silenced notifications, charging phones outside the room, and keeping the same sleep schedule on weekends to boost next-day focus.
Sticking to the same bedtime and parking your phone elsewhere can make mornings less groggy by helping your internal clock.
Experts say the best fix is sleeping in much later on weekends to catch up, even if it breaks routine.
Explanation
B significantly rephrases the ideas, maintains accuracy, and includes attribution. A copies distinctive phrasing and structure. C lacks attribution. D contradicts the passage by recommending an inconsistent schedule.
Cities often feel hotter than surrounding rural areas because buildings and roads absorb and re-release heat. Dark surfaces, like asphalt, store warmth during the day and slowly radiate it back at night. Fewer trees and parks also mean less shade and less cooling from plant evaporation. Air conditioners push additional heat outdoors, and traffic adds exhaust that traps warmth. These factors create urban heat islands, which can raise temperatures several degrees. Higher heat increases energy use and health risks. Communities can respond by planting trees, installing reflective roofs, and designing streets with materials that reflect rather than absorb sunlight more.
Which choice is an acceptable paraphrase that accurately reflects the passage and avoids plagiarism by using original language and proper attribution?
Cities often feel hotter than rural areas because buildings and roads absorb and re-release heat; dark asphalt stores warmth and radiates it at night, and fewer trees limit cooling evaporation (article).
According to the article, urban heat islands form when built surfaces hold daytime warmth, scarce greenery reduces shade and evaporative cooling, and machines like air conditioners and cars add extra heat; these conditions raise temperatures and energy use, so communities can plant trees and use reflective roofing and paving to keep neighborhoods cooler.
Cities are cooler than rural areas because skyscrapers block the sun; therefore, people do not need air conditioning, and heat islands mostly lower energy use.
Built materials store heat and release it overnight, and a lack of trees limits natural cooling, while vehicles and AC units add warmth. Planting more trees and installing reflective roofs can lower temperatures and health risks.
Explanation
B substantially rephrases and reorganizes the ideas, stays accurate, and includes attribution. A is too close to the original wording even with a citation. C changes the meaning. D shows original language but lacks attribution.
During drought, many Texas communities restrict lawn watering and encourage residents to fix leaks. In drier years, reservoirs can drop quickly, exposing cracked shorelines and reducing supplies for households, farms, and wildlife. Water managers monitor river flows and groundwater levels to plan for shortages. Conservation measures, like installing low-flow fixtures and choosing native plants, help stretch limited supplies. Cities also recycle treated wastewater for irrigation or industry. While one rainy week feels like relief, long-term patterns matter most. Preparing for repeated dry spells protects public health, supports agriculture, and reduces conflict among water users across the state now and tomorrow.
Which choice is the best paraphrase that remains accurate, uses original wording, and includes clear attribution to the source?
During drought, Texas towns restrict lawn watering and tell residents to fix leaks. Reservoirs drop quickly, exposing cracked shorelines and cutting supplies for homes, farms, and wildlife (source).
A single rainy week immediately refills reservoirs, so long-term patterns do not affect Texas water planning.
Limiting irrigation, repairing leaks, using efficient fixtures, native landscaping, and recycling treated water help communities stretch supplies during dry spells while managers track rivers and aquifers to prepare for shortages.
According to the passage, Texas drought planning combines household conservation—fixing leaks, low-flow devices, and native plants—with system tactics like monitoring rivers and aquifers and reusing treated wastewater for parks or industry; because long-term dryness matters more than a brief rain, these steps protect health, agriculture, and reduce conflicts statewide now and in the future.
Explanation
D accurately captures the main ideas, significantly rewords them, and includes attribution. A is too close to the original even with a citation. B distorts the meaning. C is well written but lacks attribution, so it is not acceptable paraphrasing.
Researchers studying middle school schedules find that later start times can improve attendance and grades. When classes begin after eight-thirty, students tend to sleep longer and arrive more alert. Adequate sleep supports memory, mood, and reaction time, which can lead to safer commutes and better participation. Families sometimes worry about after-school activities, but districts report that clubs and sports adjust with minimal disruption. Transportation plans may need revision, yet pilot programs show fuel costs can remain steady by redesigning bus routes. While later starts are not a cure-all, evidence suggests they benefit most students without harming school operations very much.
Which option represents acceptable paraphrasing of the passage's ideas, avoiding plagiarism by using original language and proper attribution?
According to studies cited in the passage, starting middle school after about eight-thirty lets students sleep longer and arrive more alert, which supports safety, mood, memory, and participation; while transportation and activities need adjustments, districts report minimal disruption and stable costs when routes are redesigned, so later starts generally help students without undermining operations.
Researchers find later start times improve attendance and grades. When classes begin after eight-thirty, students sleep longer and arrive more alert (source).
Later start times usually hurt grades because students stay up all night and buses always cost more to run.
Beginning school later can let students sleep more and be safer on the way to school, and bus routes can be adjusted without raising fuel costs.
Explanation
A accurately reflects the passage, significantly rewords and reorganizes the information, and includes attribution. B is too close to the original phrasing even with a citation. C changes the meaning. D lacks attribution despite using mostly original phrasing.