Identify the original source you are paraphrasing
Rewrite the idea completely in your own words
Keep the original meaning accurate
Include an in-text citation for the paraphrased idea
Use the required citation style consistently
Add a full reference entry in the bibliography or reference list
Cite the source even when no exact words are used
Place the citation near the paraphrased sentence or paragraph
Include the author and year, or the format required by your style guide
Verify the citation format against the style manual you are using