Techniques to Avoid Plagiarism

Every writer must take steps to avoid plagiarism.

Plagiarism is the act of taking an idea or piece of information from a source without giving proper credit. While this frequently happens as a result of laziness or desperation, some writers also fall victim to this offense without even intending to. Punishment for plagiarism is severe for students and professionals alike and may include legal penalties. As a result, learning techniques to avoid plagiarism is critical for any writer.

Give Credit

If the information you use is not common knowledge or knowledge you already had, you must provide the source that validates your statement. Doing so gives credit where it is rightfully due, boosting both the integrity and credibility of your work at the same time. Even if you paraphrased the information instead of giving it a direct quotation, you still need to cite the source.

Compile Sources Before Writing

Instead of gathering information on your subject and aimlessly mixing in your original ideas with the ideas of others, write down and neatly organize all the sources you plan on using. Keep this handy for easy reference when you begin the writing process. Refer to this list whenever you need to borrow information from a source and properly cite the material as you write it. If you need a works-cited page, build it before you do any writing as well.

Make Copies

Keep an extensive paper trail of all sources you plan on using for your project. If you used an Internet source, print out the documents. If you used a book or magazine, photocopy the pages you got the information from, highlighting the relevant lines. This is helpful not only to ensure accuracy in your citation but also to provide proof of your integrity in the event it comes into question.

Keep a Style Manual Close

There are a variety of citation styles commonly used, so the first step is to ensure you use the format your teacher or boss expects of you. With this knowledge, obtain access to the relevant style guide and keep it nearby for the duration of your assignment. No one expects you to memorize the citation rules of the various formats, but there is no excuse for citing your sources improperly. Failing to give credit to sources out of ignorance is still plagiarism.

Don't Take Chances

If you have a question about a particular instance and are unclear about whether or not a citation is necessary, don't leave out your source and hope for the best. Check with an instructor or the person who oversees your work. If there is any room for doubt, play it safe and cite the source. It's better to rely on sources too much than to risk plagiarism charges.

References

• Council of Writing Program Administrators: Defining and Avoiding Plagiarism
• Unversity of North Carolina: Plagiarism
• College Board: Cite Source - Avoiding Plagiarism