End of Term is Approaching! DLS’ Tips for Avoiding Plagiarism.

The best way to avoid getting caught for plagiarism….…is to avoid doing it!  Here are some tips from DLS University Affairs Division Student Caseworkers on avoiding plagiarism.

  • Review the Code of Behaviour on Academic Behaviour
  • Read your syllabus
  • Give credit for words and ideas – If an idea is not common knowledge, it needs to be cited
  • Keep thorough notes when conducting research – This will help prevent accidently thinking that you came up with an idea by yourself
  • Even if you are borrowing from your own work, you need to cite your source
  • Correctly identify your sources – If you read Source A, but it cites Source B, ensure you read Source B before you cite it
  • If you can’t find the original source, cite the secondary source as citing the original
  • Its better to over-cite than to under-cite
  • Classes use different citation guidelines – Look up the rules for the correct format and follow them
  • A bibliography is not sufficient, you need to cite the idea in the text – Some formats use footnotes, others use in-text citations
  • Use quotation marks – Its not just for grammar, it lets the reader know that these aren’t your own words
  • If you are not quoting, you need to paraphrase – This means more than just using synonyms; you need to put the idea in your own words
  • If you have questions, go to the writing centre

When in doubt, ask your professor!