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!