Plagiarism

Plagiarism is using someone else's work, ideas, or words without giving proper credit. It's a serious academic offense that can result in failing grades or expulsion.

Types of Plagiarism

• Direct — copying text word-for-word without quotes
• Paraphrasing — rewriting ideas without citation
• Self-plagiarism — reusing your own previous work without permission
• Accidental — unintentional failure to cite sources
• Mosaic — piecing together phrases from different sources

How to Avoid It

1. Always cite sources for borrowed ideas
2. Use quotation marks for direct quotes
3. Paraphrase properly and cite the original
4. Keep detailed notes during research
5. Use plagiarism detection tools before submitting

Example

Original: "Social media has transformed how teenagers communicate."

Plagiarized: Social media has transformed how teenagers communicate.

Proper: According to Smith (2020), social media has transformed how teenagers communicate.

When in doubt, cite it out.

Quick Tips

• Start citing from the moment you begin research
• Keep a running bibliography
• Understand what counts as "common knowledge"
• Ask your instructor if you're unsure