How to Practice Writing Without Plagiarism

Plagiarism is knowingly writing something that belongs to another and then claiming it to be your own original thought. You must practice writing without using plagiarism. Avoid plagiarism by citing all of your sources and giving credit where it is due.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Research the subject of your topic. Take notes. Get into the practice of listing your sources and keeping this list handy while you write.

2. Begin writing your article or story. If you want to quote something exactly from one of your sources, you may do that without plagiarism.

3. Quote the words, lines or paragraphs exactly as you see them. Start with quotation marks, then your quote, then quotation marks. Immediately after the quote, state the exact source of the quote.

4. Paraphrase the quote. You may use your own words mixed with the quote. You must give credit to the source by saying, for example, "according to Jones," and then adding your remark.

5. Make sure you cite your sources. Even if you include a verbal statement in your writing, you need to give credit to your source. This practice ensures you don't plagiarize anyone in your writing.

Tips & Warnings

• You do not need to cite sources of commonly known facts, but do be sure that what you write is a common fact. When in doubt, cite the source. For example, you may state that John F Kennedy was President of the United States. You do not need to cite your source, since this fact is common knowledge.

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