Plagiarism

Academics place great importance on the development of ideas. Therefore, people must be given due credit for these ideas. Taking an idea from any source without properly acknowledging it, is plagiarism. It is the use of someone else's work without proper recognition.

Plagiarism can involve the use of someone else’s argument, even if the exact words are not used. It can be the use of a quote without referencing it correctly. It can also mean the subtle changing of another author’s sentences in order to present them as your own. Plagiarism also involves copying another’s work. All of these can be avoided with correct referencing procedures.

Most often plagiarism is the result of poor study and note-taking methods. Remember to write down the exact references for all the material that you use as you take your notes.

Trainers will advise students of the many ways to avoid plagiarism. Remember that plagiarism is punishable by failure.

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