What Is Plagiarism? Definition Plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional. Intentional plagiarism includes actions such as buying a paper from a Web site, copying an entire paper from another source, turning in someone’s paper as your own, or hiring someone to write a paper for you. Unintentional plagiarism is less clear. Examples of plagiarism include, but are not limited to the following:
Most cases of plagiarism arise because of poor citing and referencing. You can avoid plagiarizing if you know how to cite and reference your sources properly. As a general rule, remember that any time you use someone else's words or ideas, you should include a citation. To help you better understand the issue of Plagiarism, work your way through this Online Tutorial, being used with permission from the University of Southern Mississippi Library. As well as knowing how to cite and how to reference your sources, use the following tips to help you avoid plagiarism. Taking Notes Before you start taking notes from a certain source, write down the author's name, the article title, publication date, the URL and date of access (if you are using an electronic source) at the top of the page. Remember to note this information for each source that you use. When you begin writing your paper, this information will help you see which author made certain arguments. It will also help you to cite and reference your sources. If you see a certain phrase or sentence you would like to quote in your paper, place the phrase in quotation marks in your notes. When you begin writing your paper, this will serve as a reminder that the phrase is a quotation, not your own words. Remember that not placing a direct quotation in quotation marks is considered plagiarism. Give yourself credit. While you are reading and taking notes, you might think of a point you would like to argue in your paper. Write your idea down, but highlight it or draw a circle around it so that you know this is your idea and not something you read in another source. Using Quotations Or according to the author of "Immigration," some groups "argue that immigrants erode the shared value system that defines America." If necessary, make sure you include a parenthetical reference or footnote at the end of the sentence.
Paraphrase Correctly Paraphrasing means taking facts or ideas from a source and putting them into your own words. Following another's sentence structure or words too closely is not paraphrasing. Remember the words and sentences should be your own and in your style rather than that of the author. If you are worried about following another's words too closely, try reading the source and taking notes only after you have closed the book or minimized the page. When you have finished writing, check your paraphrase against the original source. If you have used two or more consecutive words of the author's, place the words in quotation marks. Before you paraphrase, begin the sentence with the author’s name or the title of the article. This indicates to your reader that you are about to use someone else’s ideas; for example: "Prejean argues that capital trials are more expensive"; or, "According to the author of ‘Immigration,’ some groups believe immigration has a negative effect on the United States." If necessary, make sure you include a parenthetical reference or footnote at the end of the sentence. Check Your Citations
Remember that including false citation information is also considered plagiarism. Online Resources for Plagiarism Information |
Rosemount High School
3335 142nd St. W.
Rosemount, MN 55068
Ph: 651.423.7501 |