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Plagiarism

What is It and How to Avoid It

How to Avoid Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a serious offense, but it can easily be avoided with proper understanding and techniques. Read through the following guide to help you understand how to avoid plagiarism.

Understand What Constitutes Plagiarism

  • copying text without quotation marks and proper citation;

  • paraphrasing without crediting the original source;

  • using media, such as images or videos, without permission or proper attribution;

  • submitting someone else's work as your own.

Take Detailed Notes

  • record sources meticulously as you research;

  • not all necessary citation information and/or use a citation generator;

  • consider using a reference manager like Zotero.

Cite Sources Correctly

  • familiarize yourself with the citation style your instructor requires (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.);

  • include in-text or narrative citations whenever you quote, paraphrase, or summarize;

  • create a bibliography or works cited page.

Paraphrase Properly

  • read the original text until you understand it fully;

  • rewrite the information in your own words and style;

  • compare with the original to ensure it's sufficiently different (do not simply change a few words);

  • remember to provide a citation for paraphrased material.

Use Quotation Marks

  • use quotation marks for any direct quotes;

  • include a citation immediately after the quote.

Develop Your Own Voice

  • engage critically with your sources;

  • synthesize information and present your own analysis;

  • ensure your work reflects your understanding and insights.

 

 

Seek Guidance

  • ask your instructor or a librarian for help if you are unsure about how to cite a source;

  • visit the Writing and Language Lab for help. 

By understanding and following these guidelines, you can avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity in your work. Remember, proper citation not only gives credit to original authors but also strengthens your own arguments and research.

Common Knowledge

What information do you not need to provide a reference for? You don't have to cite common knowledge.

  • Common knowledge is information shared by many people. It is sometimes difficult to know what is and is not common knowledge. If it is something many people know, then it is most likely considered common knowledge and you do not need to cite it. 

  • If the information is not common knowledge, or you are unsure, then you should provide a reference.

  • What is Common Knowledge by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Reference and Citation Formatting Overview

The purpose of referencing is to:

  • avoid being accused of plagiarism by acknowledging the works of others you have used;

  • enable your reader to locate the ideas you have referenced in your writing.

Acknowledge the source of your information in two places:

  • in the text of your assignment. These are called in-text and narrative citations;

  • in a list at the end of your assignment. This is called a Works Cited (MLA) or a Reference List (APA & CT).

The most common types of citation styles:

Citation style guide: AI and citations