The Crime of Plagiarism



The Crime of Plagiarism

Many students do not take plagiarism seriously, but you should be aware of the serious nature of this act and its penalties.

WHAT IS PLAGIARISM??

Not only is plagiarism another form of cheating, it is intellectual dishonesty in its purest form. The old saying “You are only cheating yourself” is more than accurate in this situation. The following are examples of what constitutes plagiarism:

1. Not using quotation marks to identify a direct quote from your

source. ALWAYS use quotation marks around quotes taken

from your text which are word for word. Only use direct

quotes when it is important for the reader to know the exact

words that the author used. You also need to cite the source of

your information immediately after your direct quote.

2. Not citing the source of your information when using ideas

and information taken from the text. Even if you put the information

in your own words, you must still cite your source.

3. Not paraphrasing correctly. Just changing one or two words in a

sentence from your source is not acceptable, even if you cite it.

You must use your own sentence structure and ideas.

4. Use of others’ work and ideas as one’s own. The most obvious form

of plagiarism is turning in work that you did not complete at all, but

that you “borrowed” from another and turned it in as your own. Just

changing the name and some words does not make it yours.

HOW CAN I AVOID PLAGIARISM?

1. Take very careful notes when you read your sources so that you

know exactly where all of your information came from.

2. Try initially writing your paper without any notes. Sit down and

organize your paper, writing only what you remember from

the sources you have read. Then go back and insert all the

specifics and notes you need to, with documentation.

3. Avoid writing your paper strictly by your printouts or note cards Try reading

the information on a group of note cards and then writing the

paragraph without looking at them to make sure you are

paraphrasing correctly.

4. If you have any information that contains a numerical figure, make

sure that you document it. As a rule, numbers are not common

knowledge.

5. Do not try to write as professionally as the sources you are using.

Use coherent language and avoid long technical terms whose

meaning you do not know.

In the end, if you have any questions about plagiarism or if you are writing your paper correctly, ask your teacher for help. Remember that plagiarism, whether intentional or unintentional, is considered a crime and its consequences grow more severe as you advance into college and the “real world.” Learn to avoid it now and realize the seriousness of the act of plagiarism.

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