Thomas Fothergill D.D . was an English academic administrator at the University of Oxford .
Thomas Fothergill was an academic English administrator at the University of Oxford .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
yes

It is clear that , as in Scotland , the playing of extended variation sets at the violin in Northumberland was current at the time .
It is clear that , as in Scotland , the playing of current variation sets on the violin in Northumberland was extended at that time .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
no

In the late 1970s , Willie Francis lived in Canada and worked in Jamaica for several years before returning to England .
In the late 1970s , Willie Francis worked in England and lived in Canada for a number of years before returning to Jamaica .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
no

The city is situated on the main road between Mogadishu and Jilib , close to Barawa and about 50 miles northeast of Kismayo .
The city is situated on the main road between Mogadishu and Jilib , near Barawa and about 50 miles northeast of Kismayo .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
yes