Plagiarism is bad because it undermines academic integrity and hinders genuine learning. At WHY.EDU.VN, we believe in fostering a culture of originality and ethical scholarship, so we provide students and professionals comprehensive resources to understand and avoid plagiarism, thus promoting intellectual honesty and safeguarding the value of your academic and professional endeavors. Steer clear of academic dishonesty, intellectual theft, and uphold scholastic integrity.
1. Defining Plagiarism: A Comprehensive Overview
Plagiarism, at its core, is the act of presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This definition extends beyond simply copying text verbatim. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors, including paraphrasing without proper attribution, submitting work done by someone else, or even reusing your own previously submitted work without appropriate citation. It’s essential to understand the various forms plagiarism can take to avoid it effectively.
1.1 The Official Definition of Plagiarism
Many universities and academic institutions have strict definitions of plagiarism. The University of Oxford defines plagiarism as:
“Presenting work or ideas from another source as your own, with or without consent of the original author, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement. All published and unpublished material, whether in manuscript, printed or electronic form, is covered under this definition, as is the use of material generated wholly or in part through use of artificial intelligence (save when use of AI for assessment has received prior authorisation e.g. as a reasonable adjustment for a student’s disability). Plagiarism can also include re-using your own work without citation. Under the regulations for examinations, intentional or reckless plagiarism is a disciplinary offence.”
This definition highlights that plagiarism extends to all forms of material, whether published or unpublished, and includes the use of AI-generated content without proper authorization. It also emphasizes that even reusing your own work without citation can be considered plagiarism.
1.2 Scope of Acknowledgment: Beyond Text
The obligation to acknowledge the work of others extends beyond just written text. It applies equally to various forms of media, including:
- Computer Code: Using code snippets or entire programs without attribution.
- Illustrations: Incorporating images, diagrams, or artwork without proper credit.
- Graphs and Data: Presenting data or visualizations created by someone else as your own.
- Multimedia: Using audio, video, or interactive content without acknowledgment.
Whether the source is a published book, a journal article, a lecture, or a website, proper attribution is always required.
1.3 The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The increasing use of AI tools in academic settings requires careful consideration regarding plagiarism. While AI can be a valuable tool for research and writing, it’s crucial to understand the ethical implications of using AI-generated content.
- Authorized Use: AI can only be used within assessments where specific prior authorization has been given, or when technology that uses AI has been agreed as a reasonable adjustment for a student’s disability.
- Proper Attribution: If you use AI to generate content, you must acknowledge the AI tool used and the extent of its contribution.
- Original Thought: AI should be used as a tool to assist your own thinking, not as a substitute for it.
1.4 Common Forms of Plagiarism
Plagiarism can manifest in various forms, each with its own nuances. Understanding these forms is crucial for avoiding unintentional plagiarism. Here are some common examples:
| Form of Plagiarism | Description |
|---|---|
| Verbatim Quotation | Using the exact words of another author without quotation marks and proper citation. |
| Cutting and Pasting | Copying text directly from the Internet or other sources without clear acknowledgment. |
| Paraphrasing | Rewording someone else’s ideas or arguments without giving credit to the original author. |
| Collusion | Unauthorized collaboration between students, failure to attribute assistance received, or failure to follow regulations on group work. |
| Inaccurate Citation | Providing incorrect or incomplete citation information, making it difficult for readers to locate the original source. |
| Failure to Acknowledge Assistance | Not giving credit to individuals or sources that have contributed to the production of your work, such as fellow students, lab technicians, or external sources. |
| Use of Professional Agencies | Submitting work written by professional agencies or other individuals, even with their consent. |
| Auto-Plagiarism | Submitting work for assessment that you have already submitted, either partially or fully, for another course or qualification, unless specifically permitted. |
1.5 Why Understanding Plagiarism is Essential
Understanding what constitutes plagiarism is the first step in avoiding it. By being aware of the different forms plagiarism can take, you can take proactive steps to ensure that your work is original and properly attributed. This includes:
- Taking detailed notes: When researching, carefully record the sources of your information, including author, title, publication date, and page numbers.
- Using quotation marks: When quoting directly from a source, always use quotation marks and provide a proper citation.
- Paraphrasing carefully: When paraphrasing, restate the ideas in your own words and provide a citation to the original source.
- Citing sources correctly: Follow the citation style guidelines of your discipline and ensure that your citations are accurate and complete.
- Seeking clarification: If you’re unsure about whether something constitutes plagiarism, ask your instructor or a librarian for clarification.
By understanding and adhering to these principles, you can uphold academic integrity and avoid the serious consequences of plagiarism.
2. Why Does Plagiarism Matter? Exploring the Ethical and Academic Implications
Plagiarism is more than just a simple mistake; it’s a serious breach of academic and professional ethics. It undermines the foundation of trust and honesty upon which scholarship and research are built. Understanding why plagiarism matters is crucial for fostering a culture of integrity and originality.
2.1 Plagiarism as a Breach of Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is the cornerstone of higher education. It encompasses a set of values, including honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility, that guide all academic activities. Plagiarism violates these values in several ways:
- Dishonesty: Presenting someone else’s work as your own is inherently dishonest. It misrepresents your abilities and efforts, and it deceives your instructors and peers.
- Lack of Respect: Plagiarism shows a lack of respect for the original author’s intellectual property and creative work. It disregards their right to recognition and attribution.
- Undermining Trust: Plagiarism erodes the trust between students and instructors, and it damages the reputation of academic institutions.
2.2 The Importance of Intellectual Honesty
Intellectual honesty is the principle that all members of the academic community should acknowledge their debt to the originators of the ideas, words, and data that form the basis for their own work. This principle is essential for:
- Promoting Original Thought: Intellectual honesty encourages students and researchers to develop their own ideas and perspectives, rather than simply borrowing from others.
- Recognizing Contributions: Acknowledging the work of others gives credit where credit is due and recognizes the contributions of scholars and researchers.
- Advancing Knowledge: By building upon the work of others and properly attributing sources, we can collectively advance knowledge and understanding.
2.3 The Learning Process and Plagiarism
Plagiarism not only undermines academic integrity but also hinders the learning process. When you plagiarize, you’re essentially cheating yourself out of the opportunity to:
- Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Plagiarism avoids the critical thinking and analysis required to understand and synthesize information.
- Improve Writing Skills: Plagiarism prevents you from developing your own writing style and voice.
- Gain Knowledge: Plagiarism bypasses the effort required to truly learn and internalize information.
By engaging in original work and properly attributing sources, you actively participate in the learning process and develop the skills and knowledge necessary for academic and professional success.
2.4 Consequences of Plagiarism
The consequences of plagiarism can be severe and far-reaching, affecting your academic career, professional reputation, and future opportunities. These consequences can include:
- Academic Penalties: Failing grades, suspension, or expulsion from academic institutions.
- Damage to Reputation: Loss of credibility and trust among peers, instructors, and employers.
- Legal Repercussions: In some cases, plagiarism can result in legal action, particularly if copyrighted material is involved.
- Career Setbacks: Difficulty finding employment or advancement opportunities due to a tarnished reputation.
2.5 Plagiarism and the Standards of Your Institution
Plagiarism undermines the standards of your institution and the value of the degrees it issues. When students plagiarize, they devalue the hard work and achievements of those who uphold academic integrity. This can erode the reputation of the institution and diminish the value of its credentials.
2.6 Plagiarism and Your Future Career
Plagiarism can have serious consequences for your future career. Employers value integrity and honesty, and a history of plagiarism can make it difficult to find employment or advance in your chosen field. In some professions, such as journalism or academia, plagiarism can be a career-ending offense.
2.7 Maintaining Academic Integrity at WHY.EDU.VN
At WHY.EDU.VN, we are committed to promoting academic integrity and providing students with the resources they need to avoid plagiarism. We offer:
- Educational Resources: Articles, tutorials, and guides on plagiarism and proper citation techniques.
- Expert Assistance: Access to experts who can answer your questions and provide guidance on academic integrity.
- A Culture of Honesty: A platform that values originality, intellectual honesty, and ethical scholarship.
By upholding academic integrity, you contribute to a culture of trust, honesty, and excellence in education and research.
3. Why Should You Avoid Plagiarism? Cultivating Originality and Intellectual Independence
Beyond the ethical and academic implications, there are compelling personal reasons to avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism undermines your intellectual development and prevents you from cultivating your own unique voice and perspective. By striving for originality and intellectual independence, you enhance your learning experience and prepare yourself for success in your future endeavors.
3.1 Developing Your Own Voice and Perspective
The university experience is about more than just memorizing facts and reproducing the ideas of others. It’s about developing your own critical thinking skills, forming your own opinions, and expressing your unique voice. Plagiarism prevents you from engaging in this process.
- Reproducing vs. Thinking: Reproducing the opinions of others, without attribution, does not foster critical thinking or intellectual growth.
- Developing Your Own Views: Avoid plagiarism to develop your own views and perspectives on complex issues.
- Critical Assessment: Plagiarism avoids assessing the work of others, weighing differing arguments, and drawing your own conclusions.
3.2 The Importance of Independent Thought
While it’s natural to be influenced by the ideas of others, it’s important to develop your own independent thought. This means:
- Critical Analysis: Evaluating information critically and forming your own judgments.
- Original Ideas: Generating your own ideas and insights.
- Unique Perspective: Contributing your unique perspective to the academic community.
3.3 Avoiding Plagiarism as a Path to Self-Discovery
Avoiding plagiarism is not just about following rules; it’s about embarking on a journey of self-discovery. By engaging in original work, you:
- Challenge Yourself: Push yourself to think critically and creatively.
- Discover Your Strengths: Identify your areas of expertise and develop your unique talents.
- Build Confidence: Gain confidence in your abilities and your voice.
3.4 Mastering Academic Writing Techniques
Avoiding plagiarism requires mastering the techniques of academic writing, including:
- Proper Citation: Learning how to cite sources correctly and consistently.
- Paraphrasing Effectively: Developing the ability to paraphrase the ideas of others in your own words without plagiarizing.
- Summarizing Accurately: Summarizing the main points of an argument without distorting its meaning.
3.5 The Benefits of Lucidity and Quality in Writing
Mastery of academic writing techniques not only helps you avoid plagiarism but also improves the lucidity and quality of your writing. Clear and well-supported writing is more persuasive and impactful, and it enhances your credibility as a scholar.
3.6 Credibility and Authority
Producing original work and properly attributing sources lends credibility and authority to your writing. It demonstrates your commitment to intellectual honesty and your respect for the work of others.
3.7 Commit to Intellectual Honesty in Scholarship
Avoiding plagiarism is a fundamental aspect of intellectual honesty in scholarship. It demonstrates your commitment to:
- Ethical Conduct: Adhering to the highest ethical standards in your academic work.
- Respect for Others: Giving credit where credit is due and respecting the intellectual property of others.
- Integrity: Maintaining your integrity as a scholar and as a member of the academic community.
At WHY.EDU.VN, we encourage you to embrace originality, cultivate your intellectual independence, and strive for excellence in all your academic endeavors.
4. What Happens If You Are Thought to Have Plagiarized? Navigating the Investigation and Potential Penalties
Even with the best intentions, students may sometimes find themselves accused of plagiarism. Understanding the investigation process and potential penalties is crucial for navigating these situations effectively.
4.1 University Regulations on Plagiarism
Universities take plagiarism very seriously, and they have established regulations and procedures for investigating and addressing cases of suspected plagiarism. These regulations typically apply to all forms of assessed work, including essays, exams, theses, and dissertations.
4.2 The Investigation Process
If plagiarism is suspected in a piece of your work, the university will typically initiate an investigation. This process may involve:
- Initial Review: The instructor or professor may review the work in question and compare it to potential sources.
- Notification: You will be notified of the suspicion of plagiarism and given an opportunity to respond.
- Interview: You may be asked to attend an interview with the instructor or a disciplinary committee to discuss the matter.
- Evidence Gathering: The university may gather evidence from various sources, including plagiarism detection software, online databases, and academic journals.
- Determination: Based on the evidence gathered, the university will determine whether plagiarism has occurred and, if so, the extent of the plagiarism.
4.3 Potential Penalties
The penalties for plagiarism can vary depending on the severity of the offense and the university’s policies. Potential penalties may include:
| Penalty | Description |
|---|---|
| Deduction of Marks | A reduction in the grade for the assignment in question. |
| Failing Grade | A failing grade for the assignment or the course. |
| Suspension | Temporary removal from the university. |
| Expulsion | Permanent removal from the university. |
| Revocation of Degree | In rare cases, the university may revoke a degree that has already been awarded if plagiarism is discovered after graduation. |
4.4 Intentional vs. Unintentional Plagiarism
The severity of the penalty may depend on whether the plagiarism was intentional or unintentional.
- Intentional Plagiarism: This occurs when a student knowingly and deliberately presents someone else’s work as their own. Intentional plagiarism typically results in more severe penalties.
- Unintentional Plagiarism: This occurs when a student plagiarizes due to carelessness, ignorance, or a misunderstanding of citation rules. While unintentional plagiarism is still a serious offense, the penalties may be less severe than for intentional plagiarism.
4.5 Support and Resources
If you are suspected of plagiarism, it’s important to seek support and guidance from your college, university, or academic advisor. They can provide you with information about the investigation process and help you prepare your case. The Oxford SU Student Advice Service and WHY.EDU.VN can also provide useful information and support.
4.6 Prevention is Key
The best way to avoid the stress and consequences of a plagiarism investigation is to prevent plagiarism from occurring in the first place. By understanding what constitutes plagiarism, mastering academic writing techniques, and seeking help when needed, you can ensure that your work is original and properly attributed.
5. Does This Mean That I Shouldn’t Use the Work of Other Authors? Integrating Sources Ethically and Effectively
Using the work of other authors is an integral part of academic writing. However, it’s crucial to use these sources ethically and effectively to avoid plagiarism. Understanding the difference between proper source use and plagiarism is essential for producing high-quality, original work.
5.1 The Importance of Situating Your Writing
Academic essays almost always involve the use and discussion of material written by others. This is because knowledge in your discipline has developed cumulatively as a result of years of research, innovation, and debate. By situating your writing within the intellectual debates of your discipline, you:
- Demonstrate Knowledge: Show that you are familiar with the existing literature on your topic.
- Engage with Ideas: Interact with the ideas of other scholars and researchers.
- Contribute to the Conversation: Add your own perspective to the ongoing dialogue.
5.2 Distinguishing Between Plagiarism and Proper Acknowledgment
The key to using the work of others ethically is to distinguish between plagiarism and proper acknowledgment. Plagiarism occurs when you present someone else’s work as your own, without giving them credit. Proper acknowledgment, on the other hand, involves:
- Giving Credit: Acknowledging the authors of the ideas and observations you cite.
- Providing References: Listing your sources in a bibliography or reference list.
- Using Citations: Indicating, using footnotes or in-text references, where a quoted passage or idea comes from.
5.3 Strengthening Your Argument Through Citation
Citing sources not only gives credit to the authors of the ideas you use, but it also strengthens your argument. By making clear the basis on which you make your claims, you:
- Provide Evidence: Support your argument with evidence from credible sources.
- Demonstrate Authority: Show that you are knowledgeable about your topic and that you have done your research.
- Enhance Credibility: Increase the credibility of your work by demonstrating that it is based on solid foundations.
5.4 Giving Readers the Opportunity to Follow Up
Good citation practice gives your reader the opportunity to follow up your references and check the validity of your interpretation. This allows them to:
- Explore Further: Delve deeper into the topic and learn more about the sources you have used.
- Evaluate Your Claims: Assess the strength of your argument and the accuracy of your interpretation.
- Engage with the Debate: Join the ongoing discussion and contribute their own insights.
5.5 Guidelines for Using Sources Effectively
To use sources effectively and avoid plagiarism, follow these guidelines:
- Take Detailed Notes: When researching, carefully record the sources of your information, including author, title, publication date, and page numbers.
- Use Quotation Marks: When quoting directly from a source, always use quotation marks and provide a proper citation.
- Paraphrase Carefully: When paraphrasing, restate the ideas in your own words and provide a citation to the original source.
- Cite Sources Correctly: Follow the citation style guidelines of your discipline and ensure that your citations are accurate and complete.
- Provide a Reference List: Include a comprehensive list of all the sources you have used in your paper.
By following these guidelines, you can integrate sources ethically and effectively into your writing and avoid plagiarism.
6. Does Every Statement in My Essay Have to Be Backed Up with References? Understanding Common Knowledge and Proper Attribution
Determining when to cite a source can be tricky, especially when it comes to facts that are widely known or considered “common knowledge.” Understanding the difference between common knowledge and information that requires attribution is essential for avoiding plagiarism and maintaining academic integrity.
6.1 All Academic Texts Are Multi-Voiced
All academic texts, even student essays, are multi-voiced, which means they are filled with references to other texts. Rather than attempting to synthesize these voices into one narrative account, you should make it clear whose interpretation or argument you are employing at any one time. This means:
- Acknowledging Influences: Identifying the sources that have influenced your thinking.
- Distinguishing Voices: Separating your own ideas from those of others.
- Giving Credit Where Due: Attributing ideas and information to their original sources.
6.2 Making Substantial Indebtedness Clear
If you are substantially indebted to a particular argument in the formulation of your own, you should make this clear both in footnotes and in the body of your text, according to the agreed conventions of the discipline. This includes:
- Acknowledging Influence: Stating explicitly that your argument is based on or influenced by the work of another author.
- Providing Context: Explaining how your own views develop or diverge from this influence.
- Using Citations: Citing the original source in both the text and the footnotes.
6.3 When to Cite: Common Knowledge vs. Original Ideas
It is not necessary to give references for facts that are common knowledge in your discipline. However, it is important to document facts that are not generally known and ideas that are interpretations of facts.
- Common Knowledge: Information that is widely known and accepted within a particular field. Examples of common knowledge include basic historical dates, well-established scientific facts, and widely used definitions.
- Original Ideas: Ideas that are the result of your own thinking and analysis. These ideas do not need to be cited.
- Interpretations of Facts: Explanations or analyses of facts that are not widely accepted or that are based on a particular perspective. These interpretations should be cited.
6.4 When in Doubt, Cite
If you are unsure as to whether something is considered to be common knowledge or not, it is safer to cite it anyway and seek clarification from your instructor. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and provide a citation than to risk plagiarism.
6.5 The Importance of Transparency
The need for transparency of source use is essential for maintaining academic integrity. By making it clear where your ideas come from, you:
- Give Credit Where Due: Acknowledge the contributions of other scholars and researchers.
- Support Your Argument: Provide evidence for your claims and demonstrate the validity of your reasoning.
- Enhance Your Credibility: Increase the credibility of your work by showing that it is based on solid foundations.
7. Does This Only Matter in Exams? Applying Academic Integrity to All Forms of Assessment
While plagiarism in exams is a serious offense, academic integrity applies to all forms of assessment, including weekly essays, tutorial assignments, and research projects. Developing good scholarly habits from the start is essential for success in all your academic endeavors.
7.1 College Disciplinary Measures
Although plagiarism in weekly essays does not constitute a University disciplinary offence, it may well lead to College disciplinary measures. Persistent academic under-performance can even result in your being sent down from the University.
7.2 Applying Scholarly Habits to Tutorial Essays
Although tutorial essays traditionally do not require the full scholarly apparatus of footnotes and referencing, it is still necessary to acknowledge your sources and demonstrate the development of your argument, usually by an in-text reference. Many tutors will ask that you do employ a formal citation style early on, and you will find that this is good preparation for later project and dissertation work.
7.3 Preparing for Future Work
Adopting good scholarly habits from the start is good preparation for later project and dissertation work. By learning how to cite sources correctly and how to develop your own argument, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle more complex assignments.
7.4 The Benefits of Critical Thinking and Writing
Your work will benefit considerably if you adopt good scholarly habits from the start, together with the techniques of critical thinking and writing described above. These skills will help you to:
- Analyze Evidence: Evaluate information critically and form your own judgments.
- Exercise Critical Judgement: Make informed decisions based on evidence and reasoning.
- Write Clearly and Persuasively: Communicate your ideas effectively and persuasively.
7.5 Learning to Read and Write in an Appropriate Style
As junior members of the academic community, students need to learn how to read academic literature and how to write in a style appropriate to their discipline. This does not mean that you must become masters of jargon and obfuscation; however the process is akin to learning a new language. It is necessary not only to learn new terminology, but the practical study skills and other techniques which will help you to learn effectively.
7.6 Laying the Intellectual Foundations for Your Future Career
Developing these skills throughout your time at university will not only help you to produce better coursework, dissertations, projects and exam papers, but will lay the intellectual foundations for your future career. Even if you have no intention of becoming an academic, being able to analyse evidence, exercise critical judgement, and write clearly and persuasively are skills that will serve you for life, and which any employer will value.
7.7 Avoiding Shortcuts: The Importance of Original Work
Borrowing essays from other students to adapt and submit as your own is plagiarism, and will develop none of these necessary skills, holding back your academic development. Students who lend essays for this purpose are doing their peers no favors.
By applying academic integrity to all forms of assessment, you cultivate a commitment to excellence and prepare yourself for success in your future career.
8. Unintentional Plagiarism: Understanding and Preventing Careless Mistakes
Not all cases of plagiarism arise from a deliberate intention to cheat. Sometimes students may omit to take down citation details when taking notes, or they may be genuinely ignorant of referencing conventions. However, these excuses offer no sure protection against a charge of plagiarism.
8.1 Taking Responsibility for Your Work
Even in cases where the plagiarism is found to have been neither intentional nor reckless, there may still be an academic penalty for poor practice. It is your responsibility to find out the prevailing referencing conventions in your discipline, to take adequate notes, and to avoid close paraphrasing.
8.2 Learning Referencing Conventions
One of the most common causes of unintentional plagiarism is a lack of understanding of referencing conventions. Different disciplines may have different citation styles, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of your field.
8.3 The Importance of Detailed Notes
Careless note-taking can also lead to unintentional plagiarism. When researching, it’s essential to take detailed notes and record the sources of your information carefully. This includes:
- Author: The name of the author or authors of the source.
- Title: The title of the book, article, or website.
- Publication Date: The date the source was published.
- Page Numbers: The specific page numbers where you found the information.
8.4 Avoiding Close Paraphrasing
Close paraphrasing, which involves changing a few words or phrases in a source without properly attributing it, is another common form of unintentional plagiarism. To avoid close paraphrasing, it’s important to:
- Understand the Source: Read the source carefully and make sure you understand the main points.
- Put it in Your Own Words: Rewrite the information in your own words, without simply substituting synonyms for the original words.
- Cite the Source: Provide a citation to the original source, even if you have rewritten the information in your own words.
8.5 Attending Induction Sessions and Seeking Advice
If you are offered induction sessions on plagiarism and study skills, you should attend. Together with the advice contained in your subject handbook, these will help you learn how to avoid common errors. If you are undertaking a project or dissertation you should ensure that you have information on plagiarism and collusion. If ever in doubt about referencing, paraphrasing or plagiarism, you have only to ask your tutor.
9. Examples of Plagiarism: Identifying and Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Understanding the different forms plagiarism can take is essential for avoiding it in your own work. Here are some examples of plagiarism and non-plagiarism, based on the University of Oxford’s guidelines:
9.1 Example Source Text
From a class perspective this put them [highwaymen] in an ambivalent position. In aspiring to that proud, if temporary, status of ‘Gentleman of the Road’, they did not question the inegalitarian hierarchy of their society. Yet their boldness of act and deed, in putting them outside the law as rebellious fugitives, revivified the ‘animal spirits’ of capitalism and became an essential part of the oppositional culture of working-class London, a serious obstacle to the formation of a tractable, obedient labor force. Therefore, it was not enough to hang them – the values they espoused or represented had to be challenged.
(Linebaugh, P., The London Hanged: Crime and Civil Society in the Eighteenth Century (London, 1991), p. 213.)
9.2 Plagiarized Examples
| Plagiarized Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1. Although they did not question the inegalitarian hierarchy of their society, highwaymen became an essential part of the oppositional culture of working-class London, posing a serious threat to the formation of a biddable labor force. | This is a patchwork of phrases copied verbatim from the source, with just a few words changed here and there. There is no reference to the original author and no indication that these words are not the writer’s own. |
| 2. Although they did not question the inegalitarian hierarchy of their society, highwaymen exercised a powerful attraction for the working classes. Some historians believe that this hindered the development of a submissive workforce. | This is a mixture of verbatim copying and acceptable paraphrase. Although only one phrase has been copied from the source, this would still count as plagiarism. The idea expressed in the first sentence has not been attributed at all, and the reference to ‘some historians’ in the second is insufficient. The writer should use clear referencing to acknowledge all ideas taken from other people’s work. |
| 3. Although they did not question the inegalitarian hierarchy of their society, highwaymen ‘became an essential part of the oppositional culture of working-class London [and] a serious obstacle to the formation of a tractable, obedient labor force’.1 | This contains a mixture of attributed and unattributed quotation, which suggests to the reader that the first line is original to this writer. All quoted material must be enclosed in quotation marks and adequately referenced. |
| 4. Highwaymen’s bold deeds ‘revivified the “animal spirits” of capitalism’ and made them an essential part of the oppositional culture of working-class London.1 Peter Linebaugh argues that they posed a major obstacle to the formation of an obedient labor force. | Although the most striking phrase has been placed within quotation marks and correctly referenced, and the original author is referred to in the text, there has been a great deal of unacknowledged borrowing. This should have been put into the writer’s own words instead. |
| 5. By aspiring to the title of ‘Gentleman of the Road’, highwaymen did not challenge the unfair taxonomy of their society. Yet their daring exploits made them into outlaws and inspired the antagonistic culture of laboring London, forming a grave impediment to the development of a submissive workforce. Ultimately, hanging them was insufficient – the ideals they personified had to be discredited.1 | This may seem acceptable on a superficial level, but by imitating exactly the structure of the original passage and using synonyms for almost every word, the writer has paraphrased too closely. The reference to the original author does not make it clear how extensive the borrowing has been. Instead, the writer should try to express the argument in his or her own words, rather than relying on a ‘translation’ of the original. |
9.3 Non-Plagiarized Examples
| Non-Plagiarized Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1. Peter Linebaugh argues that although highwaymen posed no overt challenge to social orthodoxy – they aspired to be known as ‘Gentlemen of the Road’ – they were often seen as anti-hero role models by the unruly working classes. He concludes that they were executed not only for their criminal acts, but in order to stamp out the threat of insubordinacy.1 | This paraphrase of the passage is acceptable as the wording and structure demonstrate the reader’s interpretation of the passage and do not follow the original too closely. The source of the ideas under discussion has been properly attributed in both textual and footnote references. |
| 2. Peter Linebaugh argues that highwaymen represented a powerful challenge to the mores of capitalist society and inspired the rebelliousness of London’s working class.1 | This is a brief summary of the argument with appropriate attribution. |
By studying these examples, you can learn to identify and avoid common pitfalls of plagiarism.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Plagiarism
To further clarify your understanding of plagiarism, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the definition of plagiarism? | Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgment. |
| What are the different types of plagiarism? | Common types include verbatim quotation, cutting and pasting, paraphrasing, collusion, inaccurate citation, failure to acknowledge assistance, use of professional agencies, and auto-plagiarism. |
| Why is plagiarism considered a serious offense? | Plagiarism breaches academic integrity, undermines intellectual honesty, hinders the learning process, and can have severe consequences for your academic career, professional reputation, and future opportunities. |
| How can I avoid plagiarism in my writing? | Take detailed notes, use quotation marks when quoting directly, paraphrase carefully, cite sources correctly, and provide a reference list. |
| Do I need to cite common knowledge? | No, you do not need to cite common knowledge. However, you should cite facts that are not generally known and ideas that are interpretations of facts. |
| What happens if I am accused of plagiarism? | The university will investigate the matter, and you may face penalties ranging from deduction of marks to expulsion. |
| What is the difference between intentional and unintentional plagiarism? | Intentional plagiarism is knowingly presenting someone else’s work as your own, while unintentional plagiarism is plagiarism due to carelessness, ignorance, or misunderstanding. Intentional plagiarism typically results in more severe penalties. |
| Can I reuse my own work without citing it? | No, reusing your own work without citation is considered auto-plagiarism. You must cite your previously published work. |
| What resources are available to help me avoid plagiarism? | Your university’s library, writing center, and academic advisors can provide guidance on plagiarism and proper citation techniques. why.edu.vn also offers educational resources and expert assistance. |
| Is it okay to collaborate with other students on assignments? | Collaboration is only acceptable if it is authorized by your instructor. You must give credit to any assistance you receive. |
