Using Sources in your Work: A Tutorial on Avoiding Plagiarism GRADE

Using Sources in your Work:Using Sources in your Work:A Tutorial on Avoiding PlagiarismA Tutorial on Avoiding Plagiarism

GRADE 10 - 11GRADE 10 - 11

NOTE:NOTE:To move through this tutorial, use the To move through this tutorial, use the

mouse to click on the arrow at the mouse to click on the arrow at the bottom right of your screen.bottom right of your screen.

Agenda for This TutorialAgenda for This Tutorial Read about examples of plagiarism and Read about examples of plagiarism and

the consequences in the real world.the consequences in the real world.

Learn more about plagiarism:Learn more about plagiarism:• What plagiarism is and how one can avoid itWhat plagiarism is and how one can avoid it• When to cite your sourcesWhen to cite your sources• How to cite your sourcesHow to cite your sources

Take a quiz to verify your understanding.Take a quiz to verify your understanding.

Pledge that you will avoid plagiarism.Pledge that you will avoid plagiarism.

You know this…You know this…don’t you?don’t you?

Sure you do. Teachers have been Sure you do. Teachers have been talking (and talking, and talking) talking (and talking, and talking) about plagiarism—and how you about plagiarism—and how you should avoid it.should avoid it.

But, if it is so bad, why do students But, if it is so bad, why do students (and adults) do it?(and adults) do it?

Why do students plagiarize?Why do students plagiarize?Here are some excuses…Here are some excuses…

Why does it matter? My (pick one of the following)

teacher/parent/guardian doesn’t care if I do it.

Everybody else does it. Why not me, too?

The assignment was dumb/boring/too hard/too easy/etc., so why should I

put my effort into it?




I didn’t understand the

assignment and I needed some help.

I didn’t know that I had to

cite my sources.







I had to. I need to have good grades.

I didn’t have the time to do the work on my own. I had work/rehearsal/practice/etc.




cite my sources.







I had to. I need to have good grades.

I didn’t have the time to do the work on my own. I had work/rehearsal/practice/etc.

Have you heard anyof those before?




cite my sources.




But those excuses don’t cut it…But those excuses don’t cut it…

There is no acceptable excuse for There is no acceptable excuse for plagiarism.plagiarism.

Plagiarism is cheatingPlagiarism is cheating(and it will be treated as such if it is (and it will be treated as such if it is

found in your work).found in your work).Look at these real life examples…

Real Life Plagiarism ScandalsReal Life Plagiarism Scandals

Doris Kearns Doris Kearns Goodwin, a Pulitzer Goodwin, a Pulitzer Prize winning Prize winning historian, was forced historian, was forced to step down from to step down from the Pulitzer board the Pulitzer board after she was found after she was found to have accidentally to have accidentally used another’s words used another’s words in one of her books. in one of her books.

Hostetter, Janet. 6 Apr 2006. Associated Press Images. 5 Aug 2008. <http://apimages.ap.org>

Kirpatrick, David D. “Author Goodwin Resigns from Pulitzer Board.” New York Times. (1 June 2002.) 5 Aug. 2008. <http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C06E7D7143AF932A35755C0A9649C8B63>.

Real Life Plagiarism ScandalsReal Life Plagiarism Scandals

After being accused After being accused of rampant of rampant plagiarism in her plagiarism in her work, tenured work, tenured professor Madonna professor Madonna G. Constantine was G. Constantine was fired from her fired from her position at Columbia position at Columbia University. University.

Bondafeff, Dian. 10 Oct. 2007. Associated Press Images. 5 Aug 2008. <http://apimages.ap.org>.

Santora, Marc. “Columbia Professor in Noose Case Is Fired on Plagiarism Charges.” New York Times. (24 June 2008.) 5 Aug. 2008. <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/24/nyregion/24columbia.html?scp=1&sq=Madonna%20Constantine%20&st=cse>.

Real Life Plagiarism ScandalsReal Life Plagiarism ScandalsAs a reporter for the As a reporter for the New York Times, Jayson New York Times, Jayson Blair plagiarized or Blair plagiarized or fabricated in more than fabricated in more than 40 stories between 2002 40 stories between 2002 and 2005. He was fired and 2005. He was fired from his job. The top from his job. The top two editors of the two editors of the newspaper resigned as a newspaper resigned as a result of the scandal.result of the scandal.

“Correcting the Record.” New York Times. 11 May 2003. The New York Times. 5 Aug 2008. <http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9403E1DB123FF932A25756C0A9659C8B63>

Image: Szymaszek, Jennifer. 12 May 2004. Associated Press Images. 5 Aug 2008. <http:// apimages.ap.org>

Real Life Plagiarism ScandalsReal Life Plagiarism ScandalsBlair Hornstein was the Blair Hornstein was the valedictorian of her high valedictorian of her high school class and had school class and had earned admission to earned admission to Harvard University. After Harvard University. After articles Hornstein wrote articles Hornstein wrote for a local newspaper for a local newspaper were discovered to have were discovered to have been plagiarized, Harvard been plagiarized, Harvard University rescinded their University rescinded their acceptance. acceptance. Capuzzo, Jill P. “MOORESTOWN JOURNAL; Seeing Crimson.” New York Times. (20 July 2003.) 5 Aug. 2008. <http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E00E6D61E3CF933A15754C0A9659C8B63&scp=4&sq=Blair%20Hornstein%20&st=cse>.

“Blair Hornstein.” The Gothamist. 14 July 2003. 5 Aug. 2008. <http://gothamist.com/2003/07/14/gothamist.php>.

So, as you can see,So, as you can see,plagiarism is a serious offense.plagiarism is a serious offense.

This presentation is part of your This presentation is part of your class work so that you know class work so that you know

what plagiarism is what plagiarism is and and

how you can avoid it.how you can avoid it.

Definition of PlagiarismDefinition of Plagiarism Plagiarism is:Plagiarism is:

• To steal the words or ideas of another To steal the words or ideas of another personperson

• To pass off the words or ideas of another To pass off the words or ideas of another person as one’s ownperson as one’s own

Further:Further:• It doesn’t matter whether the theft is It doesn’t matter whether the theft is

intentional or accidental. Either way, it intentional or accidental. Either way, it is plagiarism.is plagiarism.

Let’s look at some Let’s look at some hypothetical situations.hypothetical situations.

For each, determine if the student For each, determine if the student plagiarized or did not.plagiarized or did not.

Click on the arrow to move to the next page.Click on the arrow to move to the next page.

Jack’s SituationJack’s SituationJack has an English paper due tomorrow. He Jack has an English paper due tomorrow. He

read the book and paid attention during read the book and paid attention during class, but he has no idea what to write class, but he has no idea what to write about.about.

Jack logs onto the Internet “just to get some Jack logs onto the Internet “just to get some ideas about topics for his paper.”ideas about topics for his paper.”

He finds a great idea and begins writing his He finds a great idea and begins writing his paper using the topic he found. He is very paper using the topic he found. He is very careful to avoid copying any text or words careful to avoid copying any text or words from the Internet article he found.from the Internet article he found.

Is this plagiarism? Yes No

You must choose from the blue You must choose from the blue buttons at the bottom of the page.buttons at the bottom of the page.

Read the situation and then choose Read the situation and then choose one of the options presented.one of the options presented.

Click here to return to previous slide

You said…You said…Jack did plagiarize.Jack did plagiarize.

You are right.You are right. Jack’s actions constitute Jack’s actions constitute plagiarism.plagiarism.• Jack is committing plagiarism by taking Jack is committing plagiarism by taking

the ideas of the source without citing the ideas of the source without citing them in the paper.them in the paper.

• Even though he put the ideas in his own Even though he put the ideas in his own words, Jack is stealing the intellectual words, Jack is stealing the intellectual property of the source.property of the source.

You are wrong.You are wrong. Jack’s actions constitute Jack’s actions constitute plagiarism.plagiarism.• Jack is committing plagiarism by taking the Jack is committing plagiarism by taking the

ideas of the source without citing them in the ideas of the source without citing them in the paper.paper.

• Even though he put the ideas in his own words, Even though he put the ideas in his own words, Jack is stealing the intellectual property of the Jack is stealing the intellectual property of the source. You are wrong. Jack’s actions source. You are wrong. Jack’s actions constitute plagiarism.constitute plagiarism.

• He could avoid plagiarism if he cites the source He could avoid plagiarism if he cites the source of the ideas in his paper.of the ideas in his paper.

You said…You said…Jack did not plagiarize.Jack did not plagiarize.

Jill’s SituationJill’s SituationDuring history class, Jill is asked to find During history class, Jill is asked to find

some background on Fidel Castro’s some background on Fidel Castro’s rise to power. rise to power.

Jill does a Google search and arrives at Jill does a Google search and arrives at Wikipedia’s article on Fidel Castro. Wikipedia’s article on Fidel Castro. Without using quotation marks, Jill Without using quotation marks, Jill cuts and pastes several sentences cuts and pastes several sentences from Wikipedia into her assignment. from Wikipedia into her assignment.





You said…You said…Jill did plagiarize.Jill did plagiarize.

You are right.You are right. Jill’s actions constitute Jill’s actions constitute plagiarism.plagiarism.• By taking the words from the Wikipedia By taking the words from the Wikipedia

article, Jill is committing plagiarism.article, Jill is committing plagiarism.• She can avoid plagiarizing by quoting She can avoid plagiarizing by quoting

the article in her assignment and the article in her assignment and including an entry that describes the including an entry that describes the source in a bibliography at the end of source in a bibliography at the end of her paper.her paper.

You are wrong.You are wrong. Jill’s actions constitute Jill’s actions constitute plagiarism.plagiarism.• By taking the words from the Wikipedia By taking the words from the Wikipedia

article, Jill is committing plagiarism.article, Jill is committing plagiarism.• She can avoid plagiarizing by quoting She can avoid plagiarizing by quoting

the article in her assignment and the article in her assignment and including an entry that describes the including an entry that describes the source in a bibliography at the end of source in a bibliography at the end of her paper.her paper.

You said…You said…Jill did not plagiarize.Jill did not plagiarize.

Gretel’s SituationGretel’s SituationGretel is a freshman who feels Gretel is a freshman who feels

overwhelmed by the high school. overwhelmed by the high school. When her science teacher assigns a When her science teacher assigns a short worksheet on genetics, Gretel short worksheet on genetics, Gretel is confused and frustrated. is confused and frustrated.

During lunch, Gretel “borrows” her During lunch, Gretel “borrows” her friend’s paper and copies the friend’s paper and copies the answers onto her own paper.answers onto her own paper.





You said…You said…Gretel did plagiarize.Gretel did plagiarize.

You are right.You are right. Gretel’s actions Gretel’s actions constitute plagiarism.constitute plagiarism.• Even if Gretel’s friend gave permission Even if Gretel’s friend gave permission

for Gretel to copy her work, it is still for Gretel to copy her work, it is still plagiarism.plagiarism.

• Gretel is guilty of plagiarism. She tried Gretel is guilty of plagiarism. She tried to take credit for the words and ideas of to take credit for the words and ideas of another person. another person.

You are wrong.You are wrong. Gretel’s actions Gretel’s actions constitute plagiarism.constitute plagiarism.• Even if Gretel’s friend gave permission Even if Gretel’s friend gave permission

for Gretel to copy her work, it is still for Gretel to copy her work, it is still plagiarism. plagiarism.

• When a student attempts to take credit When a student attempts to take credit for the words and ideas of another for the words and ideas of another person without acknowledging the person without acknowledging the original source of the workoriginal source of the work

You said…You said…Gretel did not plagiarize.Gretel did not plagiarize.

Think you’ve got it?Think you’ve got it?

Read the following…Read the following…

(and pay attention! There will be a quiz (and pay attention! There will be a quiz on this information at the end!)on this information at the end!)

Definition of PlagiarismDefinition of Plagiarism Plagiarism is:Plagiarism is:

• To steal the words or ideas of another To steal the words or ideas of another personperson

• To pass off the words or ideas of another To pass off the words or ideas of another person as one’s ownperson as one’s own

• It doesn’t matter whether the theft is It doesn’t matter whether the theft is intentional or accidental. Either way, it intentional or accidental. Either way, it is plagiarism.is plagiarism.

How to Avoid PlagiarismHow to Avoid Plagiarism Cite the source of any idea or words Cite the source of any idea or words

you take from anyone else.you take from anyone else.

Carefully mark the beginning and Carefully mark the beginning and end of the source’s words or idea.end of the source’s words or idea.

Provide a bibliography to show where Provide a bibliography to show where the borrowed material originated.the borrowed material originated.

OK, I get it…there are penalties for plagiarizing because it

is stealing someone else’s words or ideas.

But, if I am not caught,

I won’t be penalized.

So, what is the benefit of citing my

sources?

Four good reasons for citing Four good reasons for citing sources in your work:sources in your work:

• Citing reliable information gives credibility to your work.

• Cheating is unethical behavior.• It is only fair to give credit to the

source—otherwise, you are stealing the source’s ideas.

• The consequences are severe—plagiarism is not worth the risk.

You probably have two You probably have two questions:questions:

(1)(1) What do I need to cite?What do I need to cite?

(2)(2) How do I cite? How do I cite?

Read on for the answers…Read on for the answers…

What do I need to cite?What do I need to cite?

This chart will This chart will help you help you decide what decide what must be cited.must be cited.• It was created by It was created by

Robert A. Harris in Robert A. Harris in The Plagiarism The Plagiarism Handbook.Handbook.

Did youthink of

it?

No.

Yes.

Is itcommon

knowledge?

No.

Yes.

Cite it. Do not cite it.

So—the rule is:So—the rule is:

If you created it If you created it without any help,without any help,you do not need you do not need to cite the source.to cite the source.

If you did not If you did not create the create the content, you must content, you must cite the source.cite the source.

Did youthink of

it?

No.

Yes.

Is itcommon

knowledge?

No.

Yes.


The one exception to The one exception to that rule is for that rule is for “common knowledge.”“common knowledge.”

You do not need to You do not need to cite the source of an cite the source of an unoriginal piece of unoriginal piece of information IF:information IF:

(1) an educated (1) an educated person should know person should know the information, the information,

OROR

(2) it is a fact that (2) it is a fact that could be found in an could be found in an encyclopedia.encyclopedia.

Did youthink of

it?

No.

Yes.

Is itcommon

knowledge?

No.

Yes.


So, you don’t need to cite a fact, So, you don’t need to cite a fact,

but you must cite the source of opinions but you must cite the source of opinions and ideas that are not your own.and ideas that are not your own.

And, you must cite anytime you use the exact And, you must cite anytime you use the exact words of the source—even if the words are words of the source—even if the words are

presenting common knowledge.presenting common knowledge.

So, you don’t need to cite a fact, So, you don’t need to cite a fact, for example: Harper Lee wrote for example: Harper Lee wrote To Kill a MockingbirdTo Kill a Mockingbird..

OR OR Harper Lee was born in 1926.Harper Lee was born in 1926.

but you must cite the source of opinions but you must cite the source of opinions and ideas that are not your own.and ideas that are not your own.

for example: Dorothy Gale believes that for example: Dorothy Gale believes that Lord of the Flies Lord of the Flies is an inspiring story (75).is an inspiring story (75). OR OR

According to Joe Smith, Piggy represents the human spirit (15)According to Joe Smith, Piggy represents the human spirit (15)..

And, you must cite anytime you use the exact And, you must cite anytime you use the exact words of the source—even if the words are words of the source—even if the words are

presenting common knowledge.presenting common knowledge.You must always cite the source of ANY direct quotation.You must always cite the source of ANY direct quotation.

Take one Take one more look more look at this at this chart!chart!

If the idea and If the idea and the words are the words are yours, you do yours, you do not need to cite.not need to cite.

Did youthink of

it?

No.

Yes.

Is itcommon

knowledge?

No.

Yes.


So, let’s check to see that you So, let’s check to see that you understand when you need to cite understand when you need to cite the source and when you don’t…the source and when you don’t…

Answer the following questions and Answer the following questions and choose the correct answer.choose the correct answer.

Test Case #1Jack isn’t sure if he needs to cite the source of the Jack isn’t sure if he needs to cite the source of the information below. He found the fact online. information below. He found the fact online. ““Abraham Lincoln was our 16Abraham Lincoln was our 16thth president.” president.” What do you think? What should Jack do? Pick one of What do you think? What should Jack do? Pick one of the answers below.the answers below.

Cite the source.This means he will:(1) Either:

a) Surround with quotation marks, orb) Put the quotation into his own words,

changing the syntax, structure, & organization

(2) Include a lead-in giving the source’s name,

(3) Give the page number, and

(4) List the source in a bibliography

Do not cite thesource.This means that the information is a commonly reported fact. It is generally known and available from many sources.

(1) Jack should verify the information in at least two sources, then

(2) Jack will write the well-knowninformation in his own words.

You must choose one of the You must choose one of the buttons at the bottom of the page.buttons at the bottom of the page.



You are incorrect.You are incorrect.In this case, In this case,

citation is not necessary.citation is not necessary. Jack does not need to cite the source Jack does not need to cite the source

or quote the information because it is or quote the information because it is general knowledge.general knowledge.

Abraham Lincoln’s status as the 16Abraham Lincoln’s status as the 16thth President of the US is a fact that is President of the US is a fact that is verifiable in many places. Therefore, verifiable in many places. Therefore, Jack can use the information without Jack can use the information without citation.citation.

You are correct!You are correct!Jack does not need to cite this Jack does not need to cite this

information.information. Jack does not need to cite the source Jack does not need to cite the source

or quote the information because it is or quote the information because it is general knowledge.general knowledge.

Abraham Lincoln’s status as the 16Abraham Lincoln’s status as the 16thth President of the US is a fact that is President of the US is a fact that is verifiable in many places. Therefore, verifiable in many places. Therefore, Jack can use the information without Jack can use the information without citation.citation.

Test Case #2In her paper on Affirmative Action, Jill found one source that In her paper on Affirmative Action, Jill found one source that explained that Affirmative Action “evens the field of play by explained that Affirmative Action “evens the field of play by forcing equality among all players.” forcing equality among all players.”

In her paper, Jill uses the phrase “forcing equality” but she puts In her paper, Jill uses the phrase “forcing equality” but she puts all the other parts of the source into her own words. all the other parts of the source into her own words. What should Jill do? Pick one of the answers below.What should Jill do? Pick one of the answers below.

Cite the source.This means she will:(1) Either:

a) Surround with quotation marks, orb) Put the quotation into her own words,





Not cite the source.This means that the information is generally known and available from multiple sources.

(1) Jill should verify the information in at least two sources, then

(2) Jill will write the well-knowninformation in his own words.

(3) Jill should make a bibliographic citationfor use on her Works Consulted page.




You are correct!You are correct!Jill must cite this information.Jill must cite this information.

Jill needs to cite the source of the Jill needs to cite the source of the paraphrase because the idea belongs paraphrase because the idea belongs to the source.to the source.

Further, because Jill uses the unique Further, because Jill uses the unique phrase “forcing equality,” she must phrase “forcing equality,” she must include that phrase in quotation include that phrase in quotation marks, indicating that it is a direct marks, indicating that it is a direct quotation from the source.quotation from the source.

You are incorrect.You are incorrect.In this case, citation is necessary.In this case, citation is necessary.

Jill needs to cite the source of the Jill needs to cite the source of the paraphrase because the idea belongs paraphrase because the idea belongs to the source.to the source.

Further, because Jill uses the unique Further, because Jill uses the unique phrase “forcing equality,” she must phrase “forcing equality,” she must include that phrase in quotation include that phrase in quotation marks, indicating that it is a direct marks, indicating that it is a direct quotation from the source.quotation from the source.

Test Case #3Gretel found a very helpful article in an online Gretel found a very helpful article in an online database. She very carefully made sure that she database. She very carefully made sure that she rewrote the content of the article using her own rewrote the content of the article using her own personal style; she changed the author’s syntax and personal style; she changed the author’s syntax and organization so that it fit seamlessly into her paper.organization so that it fit seamlessly into her paper. What should Gretel do?What should Gretel do?

Cite the source.This means she will:(1) Either:

a) Surround with quotation marks, orb) Put the quotation into his own words,





Not cite the source.This means that the information is generally known and available from multiple sources.

(1) Gretel should verify the information in at least two sources, then

(2) Gretel will write the well-knowninformation in his own words.

(3) Gretel must include a bibliographic citationon her Works Consulted page.




You are correct.You are correct.In this case, citation is required.In this case, citation is required.

Gretel paraphrases the source’s idea Gretel paraphrases the source’s idea and content. She must give credit to and content. She must give credit to the source.the source.

She must provide her audience with She must provide her audience with the source of the idea that she the source of the idea that she borrowed.borrowed.

You are incorrect!You are incorrect!Gretel must cite the source of this Gretel must cite the source of this

information, even though she put it information, even though she put it in her own words.in her own words.

Gretel paraphrases the ideas of the Gretel paraphrases the ideas of the source, so she must cite the identity source, so she must cite the identity of the source.of the source.

Gretel must provide her audience Gretel must provide her audience with the source of the material that with the source of the material that she borrowed.she borrowed.

So, you can identify what So, you can identify what must have a citation…must have a citation…

Now you need to know Now you need to know how to use and cite a how to use and cite a

source!source!

How to Cite a SourceHow to Cite a Source It’s easy. Just provide your audience with It’s easy. Just provide your audience with

the source of any ideas or words that are the source of any ideas or words that are not your own. not your own. • First, carefully mark the beginning and end of First, carefully mark the beginning and end of

the source’s words or idea.the source’s words or idea.• Then, provide a bibliography to show where the Then, provide a bibliography to show where the

borrowed material originated.borrowed material originated.

In fact, listing your sources shows your In fact, listing your sources shows your audience that you are an informed, well-audience that you are an informed, well-researched writer!researched writer!

How to Cite Direct QuotationsHow to Cite Direct Quotations Provide a bibliographic entry to show where the Provide a bibliographic entry to show where the

borrowed material originated.borrowed material originated. Park, Beth L. Park, Beth L. Understanding William Golding’s Understanding William Golding’s Lord of Lord of

the Fliesthe Flies. . Lebo University Press: Pittsburgh, PA, 2008. Lebo University Press: Pittsburgh, PA, 2008.

Carefully mark the beginning and end of the Carefully mark the beginning and end of the source’s words or idea.source’s words or idea.• Use a Use a signal phrasesignal phrase to introduce the source. to introduce the source.• Use Use quotation marksquotation marks to surround the words of the to surround the words of the

source.source.• Provide Provide the page numberthe page number (or another citation) after (or another citation) after

the closing quotation marks.the closing quotation marks.

• EXAMPLE:EXAMPLE: According to literary critic Beth L. Parks, Piggy finds

peace through “his search for the height of his own potential” (24).

How to Cite ParaphrasesHow to Cite Paraphrases Provide a bibliographic entry to show where the borrowed Provide a bibliographic entry to show where the borrowed

material originated.material originated. Park, Beth L. Park, Beth L. Understanding William Golding’s Understanding William Golding’s Lord of the FliesLord of the Flies. .

Lebo University Press: Pittsburgh, PA, 2008. Lebo University Press: Pittsburgh, PA, 2008.

Carefully mark the beginning and end of the source’s Carefully mark the beginning and end of the source’s material.material.• Use a Use a signal phrasesignal phrase to introduce the source to introduce the source• Put the source’s original words into your own words:Put the source’s original words into your own words:

It isn’t just about using synonyms to replace words.It isn’t just about using synonyms to replace words. You must change the syntax, sentence structure, & organization of You must change the syntax, sentence structure, & organization of

the original. the original. If you find yourself just changing a word here or there, ask yourself if If you find yourself just changing a word here or there, ask yourself if

a direct quotation would work. If it would work, then use a direct a direct quotation would work. If it would work, then use a direct quotation.quotation.

• Provide Provide the page numberthe page number (or another citation) after the closing (or another citation) after the closing quotation marks. quotation marks.

• EXAMPLE: According to literary critic Beth L. Parks, Piggy protects

his self-esteem by disciplining the other boys (24).

It can be said in a bunch of It can be said in a bunch of different ways…different ways…

Mark the boundaries


Mark the boundaries

Bracket the

borrowed


Mark the boundaries

Fence the borders

Bracket the

borrowed


Mark the boundaries

Enclose the borrowed

Fence the borders

Bracket the

borrowed


Mark the boundaries

Frame theusage


Fence the borders

Bracket the

borrowed


Mark the boundaries

Frame theusage


Fence the borders

Surroundthe usageBracket the

borrowed

But, they all mean the same thing…Provide a clear indication

of any words or ideas that are not your own.


Mark the boundaries

Frame theusage


Fence the borders

Circumscribe the usageBracket the

borrowed

Can you identify plagiarism Can you identify plagiarism when you see it?when you see it?

Try the following four examples. On Try the following four examples. On each you will see the source material each you will see the source material and the student’s usage of that and the student’s usage of that material.material.

Use the buttons at the bottom of the Use the buttons at the bottom of the screen to choose if the example screen to choose if the example shows acceptable use or plagiarism.shows acceptable use or plagiarism.

Acceptable Use or Plagiarism?Acceptable Use or Plagiarism?Example 1Example 1

Original text from Original text from the source:the source:

Student’s Text:Student’s Text:

Student’s Bibliography:Student’s Bibliography:

One reason that Lincoln was well-liked during his lifetime was that his integrity was sincere. A person’s statements and dealings with the world allows that person to be judged as honest.

No references given.

Integrity must be sincere. That’s one reason Lincoln was so admired in his lifetime. Through an individual’s words, deeds, and actions, integrity can be judged to be genuine.

Donald T. Phillips. Lincoln on Leadership. (52)

Acceptable Use PlagiarismCHOOSE ONE:




You said that the example showed You said that the example showed Acceptable UseAcceptable Use

You are incorrect.You are incorrect. Use the arrow at the bottom of this Use the arrow at the bottom of this

screen to screen to return to the examplereturn to the example..

Reread the example and see if you Reread the example and see if you can determine why it is plagiarism. can determine why it is plagiarism.

You said that the example showed You said that the example showed PlagiarismPlagiarism

You are correct!You are correct! The student put the author’s idea The student put the author’s idea

into her own words; however, she did into her own words; however, she did not give credit to the source of the not give credit to the source of the idea.idea.

Acceptable Use or Plagiarism? Acceptable Use or Plagiarism? Example 2Example 2




Phillips believes that the populace’s admiration for Lincoln stems from his integrity and honesty (52).

Phillips, Donald T. Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times. Warner Books: New York, 1992.








You are correct!You are correct! The student clearly marked the boundaries of the The student clearly marked the boundaries of the

paraphrase:paraphrase:• Providing the author’s name at the beginning of the Providing the author’s name at the beginning of the

paraphrase shows where Phillips’ idea starts.paraphrase shows where Phillips’ idea starts.• Providing the page number at the end of the paraphrase Providing the page number at the end of the paraphrase

shows where Phillips’ idea ends.shows where Phillips’ idea ends.

The reference on the bibliography page is The reference on the bibliography page is accurate.accurate.


You are incorrect!You are incorrect! Use the arrow at the bottom of this Use the arrow at the bottom of this


Reread the example and see if you Reread the example and see if you can determine why this usage is can determine why this usage is acceptable. acceptable.





Lincoln was so admired in his lifetime because he had integrity. Integrity must be sincere. Through an individual’s words, deed, and actions, integrity can be judged to be genuine.

No references given.












You are correct!You are correct! The student used the exact words of The student used the exact words of

the source without providing any the source without providing any indication of their origin. indication of their origin.

A reader would believe that this A reader would believe that this passage is the work of the student.passage is the work of the student.







During his lifetime, people admired Lincoln because his words, deeds and actions demonstrated his sincere, genuine integrity.

Phillips, Donald T. Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times. Warner Books: New York, 1992.










You are correct!You are correct! The student changed the order of the The student changed the order of the

words and the structure of the words and the structure of the sentences; however, he did not give sentences; however, he did not give credit to the Phillips’ book as the credit to the Phillips’ book as the source of the idea.source of the idea.

So, to review…So, to review… Plagiarism is a serious offense. Not Plagiarism is a serious offense. Not

only does it carry heavy penalties, only does it carry heavy penalties, but your integrity is damaged when but your integrity is damaged when you plagiarize.you plagiarize.

Plagiarism is easily avoidable—just Plagiarism is easily avoidable—just cite the sources when you use the cite the sources when you use the words or ideas of another person.words or ideas of another person.

If you have any questions, see your If you have any questions, see your teacher or school librarian!teacher or school librarian!

Final Directions:Final Directions: Your teacher has a written quiz for you to Your teacher has a written quiz for you to

take on the subject of plagiarism.take on the subject of plagiarism. At the end of the quiz is an honor code At the end of the quiz is an honor code

statement. You will sign it in order to statement. You will sign it in order to verify that you have receive this training.verify that you have receive this training.

You will then have your parent sign the You will then have your parent sign the honor code.honor code.

Your teacher will collect these signed Your teacher will collect these signed forms.forms.

Sources ConsultedSources ConsultedDeSena, Laura Hennessey. DeSena, Laura Hennessey. Preventing Plagiarism: Preventing Plagiarism:

Tips and Techniques.Tips and Techniques. National Council of National Council of Teachers of English: Urbana, IL, 2007.Teachers of English: Urbana, IL, 2007.

Harris, Robert A. Harris, Robert A. The Plagiarism Handbook: The Plagiarism Handbook: Strategies for Preventing, Detecting, and Dealing Strategies for Preventing, Detecting, and Dealing with Plagiarism.with Plagiarism. Pyrczak Publishing: Los Angeles, Pyrczak Publishing: Los Angeles, 2001.2001.

Valenza, Joyce Kasman. “What is Plagiarism? (And Valenza, Joyce Kasman. “What is Plagiarism? (And Why You Should Care).” Why You Should Care).” Springfield High School Springfield High School Media Center Information Literacy LessonsMedia Center Information Literacy Lessons. . Springfield School District. Springfield School District.

End of presentation.End of presentation. If you have questions or suggestions, If you have questions or suggestions,

please see your teacher.please see your teacher.

This Presentation was used by This Presentation was used by permission of Michelle Kramer permission of Michelle Kramer

English/Media Arts English/Media Arts TeacherTeacher

Mt. Lebanon High Mt. Lebanon High School School

[email protected]@mtlsd.net

Documents

Using Sources in your Work: A Tutorial on Avoiding Plagiarism GRADE