How to Avoid Plagiarism in 5 Easy Steps

Summary

This video provides a clear overview of plagiarism, defining it as the use of someone else's ideas or words without proper citation. It emphasizes that plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional and outlines five essential steps to avoid it: use original ideas, paraphrase accurately, always cite sources, use quotation marks for direct quotes, and seek help when needed. Resources such as academic centers, librarians, and online tools like Purdue OWL and Zotero are suggested for additional support, ensuring that viewers understand the importance of academic integrity.

Takeaways

• 📚 Plagiarism is using someone else's language, ideas, or original material without crediting the source.
• 🔍 Plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional; both are unethical.
• ✍️ Always express your own thoughts and explanations when writing.
• 📝 Paraphrasing is effective, but you still need to cite the original source.
• 📖 Cite all sources, whether from books, articles, blogs, or websites.
• ⚖️ Use citation styles properly, and include publication year and page number when applicable.
• 🔗 When in doubt about citing, it's safer to include a citation.
• 🔤 Use quotation marks for direct quotes to indicate the text is taken from another source.
• 🆘 Seek help with citations if you're unsure; many resources are available.
• 🌐 Online tools like Zotero and Purdue Owl can assist in organizing and citing sources.

Q & A

What is plagiarism?

Plagiarism occurs when a writer uses someone else's language, ideas, or original material without acknowledging the source.

Can plagiarism be unintentional?

Yes, plagiarism can be either intentional or unintentional.

What is an example of plagiarism?

An example is copying and pasting a quote into a paper without giving credit to the source.

How can I avoid plagiarism?

You can avoid plagiarism by using original ideas, paraphrasing information, citing sources, using quotation marks, and asking for help.

What should I do if I need to use information from another source?

Ensure the information is relevant, and if you use it, be sure to cite it.

What does it mean to paraphrase?

Paraphrasing involves putting information from a source into your own words, but you still need to cite the original source.

When is it necessary to cite a source?

You need to cite any information from a source, such as books, articles, or websites, unless it is common knowledge.

What are quotation marks used for?

Quotation marks are used to indicate that you are quoting directly from a source.

What resources can help with citations?

You can seek help from campus resources like academic centers, librarians, online tools like Purdue OWL, and software like Zotero.

What is Zotero?

Zotero is a free tool that helps you collect, organize, and cite your sources.