Using Sources in your Work:

A Tutorial on Avoiding Plagiarism

NOTE: To move through this tutorial, use the mouse to click on the arrow at the bottom right of your screen.

Agenda for Tutorial

Read three sample situations. Determine if the student was ethical in his or her use of a source.

Learn more about how to avoid plagiarism.

Lets look at some hypothetical situations. For each, identify if the student used his or her sources acceptably.

Jacks Situation
Jack has an English paper due tomorrow. He read the book and paid attention during class, but he has no idea what to write about. Jack logs onto the Internet just to get some ideas about topics for his paper. He finds a great idea and begins writing his paper using the topic he found. He is very careful to avoid copying any text or words from the Internet article he found.

Is this plagiarism?

Yes

No

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

Read the situation and then choose one of the options presented.
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You said Jack did plagiarize.

You are right. Jacks actions constitute plagiarism.
Jack is committing plagiarism by taking the ideas of the source without citing them in the paper. Even though he put the ideas in his own words, Jack is stealing the intellectual property of the source.

You said Jack did not plagiarize.

You are wrong. Jacks actions constitute plagiarism.
Jack is committing plagiarism by taking the ideas of the source without citing them in the paper. Even though he put the ideas in his own words, Jack is stealing the intellectual property of the source. You are wrong. Jacks actions constitute plagiarism. He could avoid plagiarism if he cites the source of the ideas in his paper.

Jills Situation
During history class, Jill is asked to find some background on Fidel Castros rise to power. Jill does a Google search and arrives at Wikipedias article on Fidel Castro. Without using quotation marks, Jill cuts and pastes several sentences from Wikipedia into her assignment.

Is this plagiarism?

Yes

No

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

Read the situation and then choose one of the options presented.
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You said Jill did plagiarize.

You are right. Jills actions constitute plagiarism.
By taking the words from the Wikipedia article, Jill is committing plagiarism. She can avoid plagiarizing if she quotes the article in her assignment and includes an entry describing the source in a bibliography at the end of her paper.

You said Jill did not plagiarize.

You are wrong. Jills actions constitute plagiarism.
By taking the words from the Wikipedia article, Jill is committing plagiarism. She can avoid plagiarizing if she quotes the article in her assignment and includes an entry describing the source in a bibliography at the end of her paper.

Gretels Situation
Gretel is a freshman who feels overwhelmed by the high school. When her science teacher assigns a short worksheet on genetics, Gretel is confused and frustrated. During lunch, Gretel borrows her friends paper and copies the answers onto her own paper.

Is this plagiarism?

Yes

No

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

Read the situation and then choose one of the options presented.
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You said Gretel did plagiarize.

You are right. Gretels actions constitute plagiarism.
Even if Gretels friend gave permission for Gretel to copy her work, it is still plagiarism. Gretel is guilty of plagiarism. She tried to take credit for the words and ideas of another person.

You said Gretel did not plagiarize.

You are wrong. Gretels actions constitute plagiarism.
Even if Gretels friend gave permission for Gretel to copy her work, it is still plagiarism. Gretel tried to take credit for the words and ideas of another person.

Think youve got it? Read the following

There are two acceptable ways to use sources:

Direct Quotation Paraphrase

Includes summarizing and referencing the works of others within your paper or project

Direct Quotation
What it is:

There are two acceptable ways to use sources:

The exact words of an author used word for word in your paper or project.
The exact phrasing of the source suits your needs. You want to use the sources exact wordseven just a particular apt or unusual phrase.

When to use it:

How to use it:

Copy the exact words of the source, putting those words inside quotation marks. Put a citation at the end of the quotation indicating the page number. At the end of your paper, include a bibliographic entry on a page that lists your references.

There are two acceptable ways to use sources: Paraphrase

What it is:

Using your own words to restate the sources idea. This could be a summary of the sources point, a brief mention of the sources findings, or a longer restatement of the sources idea. The exact phrasing of the source is too technical, too wordy, etc. You want to present the sources idea in a more compact, focused way Before the paraphrase, introduce the source. This will show where the paraphrase begins. Use your own words to restate the meaning of the source. This means you change words, structure, and syntax. You do not merely substitute synonyms for the sources original phrasing. Put a citation at the end of the quotation indicating the page number or source. Include a bibliographic entry on a reference page at the end of your paper or project.

Use paraphrase when:

How to use it:

Testing your understanding

Can you tell the difference between a direct quotation and a paraphrase? Click on the correct answer for each of the following samples.

Direct Quotation vs. Paraphrase Model #1

In his book on Googles business strategy, John Battelle states, Google had more than its finger on the pulse of our culture, it was directly jacked into the cultures nervous system (2).

This is an example of DIRECT QUOTATION

This is an example of PARAPHRASE

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

Read the situation and then choose one of the options presented.
Click here to return to previous slide

Paraphrase
Sorry, no. You are incorrect. The student did not paraphrase--she used a direct quotation. The quotation marks give it away:
In his book on Googles business strategy, John Battelle states: Google had more than its finger on the pulse of our culture, it was directly jacked into the cultures nervous system (2).

Direct Quotation

Easy, right? If you see quotation marks, it is a direct quotation. Any time you use the exact words of a source, you must surround them in quotation marks and indicate the source.

Direct Quotation vs. Paraphrase Model #2

Battelles argument is based on a memo written by Google CEO Eric Schmidt. The memo reveals that Google was focusing its attention on corporate marketing budgets (153).

This is an example of DIRECT QUOTATION

This is an example of PARAPHRASE

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

Read the situation and then choose one of the options presented.
Click here to return to previous slide

Paraphrase
Good job! Sample #2 was a paraphrase. Anytime a student rewrites a sources idea into his or her own words, the user must give the source credit. This is paraphrasing.

Direct Quotation
No. Read it again:
Battelles argument is based on a memo written by Google CEO Eric Schmidt. The memo reveals that Google was focusing its attention on corporate marketing budgets (153).

That example is a paraphrase. You should know because the student did not include quotation marks; she rephrased the original into her own written style; and she cited the source.

As he explains the importance of choosing the best searchable keywords to allow others to find a website, Battelle presents a comparison to the Greek story of The Odyssey, Is [being known to a wide audience] not what every person longs for what Odysseus chose over Kalypsos nameless immortalityto die, but to be known forever? (284).
This is an example of DIRECT QUOTATION This is an example of PARAPHRASE

Direct Quotation vs. Paraphrase Model #3

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

Read the situation and then choose one of the options presented.
Click here to return to previous slide

Paraphrase

You are incorrect. The example was a direct quotation. Look at it again:
In explaining the importance of searchable functions, Battelle reveals his insight into the heart of mankind, Is that not what every person longs forwhat Odysseus chose over Kalypsos nameless immortalityto die, but to be known forever? (284).

The student included quotation marks, indicating that he used the exact words of the original source. Therefore, it is a direct quotation.

Direct Quotation

Correct! The use of the exact words of the source makes it a direct quotation. The student shows readers that it is a direct quotation by using quotation marks. Additionally, he provides information to help the reader identify the source.

So, you know the difference between a direct quotation and a paraphrase Now what?

Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is:
To steal the words or ideas of another person To pass off the words or ideas of another person as ones own

Further:
It does not matter whether the theft of words or ideas is intentional or accidental. Either way, it is plagiarism.

Why should you bother?

Four good reasons for citing 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 sourceotherwise, you are stealing the sources ideas.

The consequences are severe plagiarism is not worth the risk.

You probably have two questions:

(1) What do I need to cite? (2) How do I cite?

Read on for the answers

What do I need to cite?

This chart will help you decide what must be cited.

It was created by Robert A. Harris in The Plagiarism Handbook.

Did you think of it?

Yes.

No.

Is it common knowledge? No.

Yes.

Cite it.

Do not cite it.

Sothe rule is:

If you created it, you do not need to cite the source.

Did you think of it?

Yes.

No.

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

Is it common knowledge? No.

Yes.

Cite it.

Do not cite it.

The one exception to that rule is for common knowledge. You do not need to cite the source of an unoriginal piece of information IF: (1) an educated person should know the information, OR
No. Did you think of it? Yes.

No.

Is it common knowledge?

Yes.

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

Cite it.

Do not cite it.

So, you dont need to cite a fact, but you must cite the source of opinions and ideas that are not your own.

And, you must cite any time you use the exact words of the sourceeven if the words are presenting common knowledge.

So, you dont need to cite a fact,

for example: Ayn Rand wrote Anthem. OR Ayn Rand was born in 1905.

but you must cite the source of opinions and ideas that are not your own.
for example: Dorothy Gale believed that Anthem is an inspiring story (75). OR According to Joe Smith, Equality 7-2521 represents the human spirit (15).

And, you must cite any time you use the exact words of the sourceeven if the words are presenting common knowledge.
You must always cite the source of ANY direct quotation.

Take one more look at this chart!

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

Did you think of it?

Yes.

No.

Is it common knowledge? No.

Yes.

Cite it.

Do not cite it.

So, lets check to see that you understand when you need to cite the source and when you dont Answer the following questions and choose the correct answer.

Test Case #1
Jack isnt sure if he needs to cite the source of the information below. He found the fact online.

Abraham Lincoln was our 16th president.

What do you think? What should Jack do? Pick one of the answers below.

Cite the source.

This means he will: (1) Either: a) Surround with quotation marks, or b) Put the quotation into his own words, changing the syntax, structure, & organization (2) Include a lead-in giving the sources name, (3) Give the page number, and (4) List the source in a bibliography

Do not cite the source.

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-known information in his own words.

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

Read the situation and then choose one of the options presented.
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You are incorrect. In this case, citation is not necessary.

Jack does not need to cite the source of quote the information because it is general knowledge. Because Abraham Lincolns status as the 16th President of the US is a fact that is verifiable in many places, Jack can use the information without citation.

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

Jack does not need to cite the source of quote the information because it is general knowledge. Because Abraham Lincolns status as the 16th President of the US is a fact that is verifiable in many places, Jack can use the information without citation.

Test Case #2
In her paper on Affirmative Action, Jill found one source explaining that Affirmative Action evens the field of play by wreaking equity on all players.

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

Cite the source.

This means she will: (1) Either: a) Surround with quotation marks, or b) Put the quotation into her own words, changing the syntax, structure, & organization (2) Include a lead-in giving the sources name, (3) Give the page number, and (4) List the source in a bibliography

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-known information in his own words. (3) Jill should make a bibliographic citation for use on her Works Consulted page.

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

Read the situation and then choose one of the options presented.
Click here to return to previous slide

You are correct! Jill must cite this information.

Jill needs to cite the source of the paraphrase because the idea belongs to the source. Further, because Jill uses the unique phrase wreaking equity, she must include that phrase in quotation marks, indicating that it is a direct quotation from the source.

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

Jill needs to cite the source of the paraphrase because the idea belongs to the source. Further, because Jill uses the unique phrase wreaking equity, she must include that phrase in quotation marks, indicating that it is a direct quotation from the source.

Test Case #3
Gretel found a very helpful article in an online database. She very carefully made sure that she rewrote the content of the article using her own personal style; she changed the authors syntax and organization so that it fit seamlessly into her paper. What should Gretel do?
Cite the source.
This means she will: (1) Either: a) Surround with quotation marks, or b) Put the quotation into his own words, changing the syntax, structure, & organization (2) Include a lead-in giving the sources name, (3) Give the page number, and (4) List the source in a bibliography

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-known information in his own words. (3) Gretel must include a bibliographic citation on her Works Consulted page.

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

Read the situation and then choose one of the options presented.
Click here to return to previous slide

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

Gretel paraphrases the sources idea and content. She must give credit to the source. She must provide her audience with the source of the idea that she borrowed.

You are incorrect! Gretel must cite the source of this information, even though she put it in her own words.

Gretel paraphrases the ideas of the source, so she must cite the identity of the source. Gretel must provide her audience with the source of the material that she borrowed.

So, you can identify what must have a citation

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

How to Cite a Source

Its easy. Just provide your audience with the source of any ideas or words that are not your own.
First, carefully mark the beginning and end of the sources words or ideas. Then, provide a bibliography to show where the borrowed material originated.

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

How to Cite Direct Quotations

Provide a bibliographic entry to show where the borrowed material originated.

Park, Beth L. Understanding Ayn Rands Anthem. Lebo University Press: Pittsburgh, 2008.

Carefully mark the beginning and end of the sources words or idea.
Use a signal phrase to introduce the source. Use quotation marks to surround the words of the source. Provide the page number (or another citation) after the closing quotation marks.
EXAMPLE: According to literary critic Beth L. Parks, Equality 7-2521 finds peace through his search for the height of his own potential (24).

How to Cite Paraphrases

Provide a bibliographic entry to show where the borrowed material originated.

Park, Beth L. Understanding Ayn Rands Anthem. Lebo University Press: Pittsburgh, 2008.

Carefully mark the beginning and end of the sources words or idea.
Use a signal phrase to introduce the source Put the sources original words into your own words:

Provide the page number (or another citation) after the closing quotation marks. EXAMPLE: According to literary critic Beth L. Parks, Equality 7-2521 separates himself from the society by striving to improve the world around him (24).

It isnt just about using synonyms to replace words. You must change the syntax, sentence structure, and organization of the original. 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 quotation.

It can be said in a bunch of different ways

It can be said in a bunch of different ways

It can be said in a bunch of different ways

It can be said in a bunch of different ways

Enclose the borrowed

It can be said in a bunch of different ways

Enclose the borrowed

It can be said in a bunch of different ways

Enclose the borrowed

It can be said in a bunch of different ways

But, they all mean the same thing Provide a clear indication of any words or ideas that are not your own. Enclose the borrowed

References
DeSena, Laura Hennessey. Preventing Plagiarism: Tips and Techniques. National Council of Teachers of English: Urbana, IL, 2007. Harris, Robert A. The Plagiarism Handbook: Strategies for Preventing, Detecting, and Dealing with Plagiarism. Pyrczak Publishing: Los Angeles, 2001.

References
Kramer, Michelle & Miller, S.H.. Mt. Lebanon School District Plagiarism Tutorial [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from http://www.mtlsd.org/highschool/highschoolplagiarismlesso ns.asp Valenza, Joyce Kasman. What is Plagiarism? (And Why You Should Care). Springfield High School Media Center Information Literacy Lessons. Springfield School District.