A paraphrase translates the source’s words into your own voice and your own words. If you copy three or more words in a row, you must put those words in quotation marks and name the source. Just like a quotation, a paraphrase is always cited in your paper and on the Works Cited page.
Read your passage until you comprehend its full meaning. As you read, jot down bullet points on the facts or opinions presented, but do not copy "word for word" without using quotation marks.
Write out your paraphrase in full sentences.
Check your version with the original to ensure accuracy. Make any corrections about facts or details.
Use quotation marks to identify any unique phrases that you may have used directly from the source.
Record the source and page number so that you can refer back to it later when creating your citations.
Adapted from the Purdue Online Writing Lab's Guide to Paraphrasing.