Plagiarism FAQs
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Essay Writing
Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty. When somebody copies another person’s written work, he or she is plagiarizing. Using proper citations and securing permission to quote written work are the best ways to avoid this problem.
How to cite sources?
Depending on what sort of paper or article you’re writing, you’ll use different forms of citation. College students, for example, often use MLA style. A Web search will show you many sites devoted to the various citation styles and how to use them. If you’re in school, your instructor will be able to help you as well. What if I forget to cite a source?
Accidental plagiarism is still plagiarism. Some colleges have zero-tolerance policies: students who don’t double- or triple-check their papers risk failing the assignment, or worse.
How do I know when to cite a source and when I don’t have to bother?
The safest route is to cite everything. However, common knowledge – i.e. “George Washington was the first President of the United States” is usually good to go without a proper citation.
Wouldn’t I be safer if I didn’t quote anybody else’s work at all?
That’s the safe route, yes, but that doesn’t constitute a research paper. The idea is to cite sources that point to another person’s findings on the subject but to use your very own key points, outline and thoughts on the topic. You should write your own analysis of your research findings and quote very small parts of other peoples’ work.
Material that I find on the Internet isn’t printed matter, so I don’t have to cite it, right?
Wrong. You have to properly credit any and all quotes, facts or other information. Depending on your citation style, there should be a specific format for citing Web site addresses and other information that you find on the Internet.
What about paper mills? The writers are selling their work, so that’s okay, right?
No. Even though the research paper’s writer is selling his or her paper, it’s still plagiarizing. When you put your name on the title page, you’re claiming that you put your own effort into researching and writing.
Besides: many people, including professors, have access to software and Web sites that help them scan the paper mills for copied papers. Even if you aren’t caught this time, you’re still putting your academic or professional career in jeopardy for no good reason.
What about collaborative work?
If you complete a project with other people in your class – i.e. group work – everybody’s names should be included on the title page. And unless your professor specifically assigns a paper as a group task, you should do the work on your own.
What are the consequences of plagiarism?
Even if you aren’t caught, ever, you’re not doing your own work. There’s not much point in paying tuition and fees to attend college if you aren’t going to put any effort into your education.
If you are busted, however, you can expect to fail the assignment at the very least. Some colleges will flunk you for the entire course, put you on academic probation or even expel you from the school. The more times you’re caught, the worse the consequences will be.
The worst part is that your reputation for plagiarism will follow you. Every school that receives your application will know why you were kicked out of your last school.
Copyright 2008 Gene Grzywacz
DO NOT COPY
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