How can I avoid plagiarizing?

Here are a few strategies to keep in mind that will help you avoid plagiarizing:

  • Take careful notes--make sure to note the source of the information, even if you're not sure you will actually use it in your paper.

  • Mark everything in your notes that was someone else’s words with quote marks.

  • Keep track of your source information so you have it when you cite a source in-text and in your bibliography.

  • When in doubt ask your professor or a reference librarian if you've cited a source correctly.

  • Double-check that your Work Cited page contains all the sources you used in the paper.
  • Cite your source when you use someone else's thoughts/ideas--even if you use your own words to express them.

  • Use words like “According to…” when paraphrasing.

  • Use a different sentence and paragraph structure when paraphrasing--don't follow a source to closely.

  • Plan ahead--give yourself plenty of time to research and write your paper.

  • Proof-read--keep your sources handy and double check that your quotes and paraphrases are attributed to the right sources.

Remember, scholarly work means adding your own thoughts about your research as well.

 

Sources:
Booth, W.C., Colomb, G. G. and Williams, J. M. (2007). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses and Dissertations (7th ed.). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Northern Michigan University Writing Center, "Plagiarism" http://webb.nmu.edu/Centers/WritingCenter/SiteSections/Tutorials/Tutorial/Plagiarism.shtml accessed October 3, 2007.

The OWL at Purdue University, "Avoiding Plagiarism" http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/03/ accessed October 3, 2007