What is it? How do I avoid it? Plagiarism What is it? How do I avoid it?

What is plagiarism 1) to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own. 2) to use (another’s production) without crediting the source. 3) to commit literary theft. 4) to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source. (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary)

Can words really be stolen? According to U.S. law, the answer is yes. The expression of original ideas is considered intellectual property, and is protected by copyright laws, just like original inventions. Almost all forms of expression fall under copyright protection as long as they are recorded in some way (such as a book or a computer file)

All of the following are considered plagiarism: Turning in someone else’s work as your own Copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit Failing to put quotation marks Giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation Changing words but copying the sentence structure without giving credit

How do I avoid plagiarism? Most cases of plagiarism can be avoided, however, by citing sources. Simply acknowledging that certain material hs been borrowed, and providing your audience with the information necessary to find that source, is usually enough to prevent plagiarism.

What is a citation? A citation is the way you tell your readers that certain material in your work came from another source. It also gives your readers the information necessary to find that source again, including author, title of work, publisher, date of publication, and page numbers of material you are borrowing.

When should I cite sources? Whenever you use quotes Whenever you paraphrase Whenever you use an idea that someone else has already expressed Whenever you make specific reference to the work of another Whenever someone else’s work has been critical in developing your own ideas.

Planning your paper 1) Consult your instructor as to how and when to cite your sources. 2) Write an outline, or a thesis statement that clearly states the purpose of your research. 3) Take effective notes before beginning to write your paper.

Writing your paper When in doubt, cite sources. Know how to paraphrase. A paraphrase is a restatement in your own words of someone else’s ideas. You must change BOTH the words and the sentence structure of the original passage. A paraphrase still needs a citation Evaluate your sources, especially web sites.

An example of a citation Preventing Plagiarism: Resources for Educators. 2004. Plagiarism.org., Diboll H.S. Lib., Diboll, TX. 6 Apr. 2004 <http://www.turnitin.com>