How Not to Plagiarize Learn to Protect Yourself! All facts in this PowerPoint presentation was taken from Margaret Procter, Coordinator of Writing Support, University of Toronto. http://www.utoronto.ca/writing/plagsep.html In a presentation, I must tell you that ideas and information is not original, and should cite my sources. Direct quotations should have quotation marks around them.

Plagiarism Defined “It is an offence for a student to “represent as one’s own, any idea or expression of an idea in any academic examination or term test, or with any form of academic work.” (Procter par. 1) Wherever an offence is described as depending on "knowing", the offence shall likewise be deemed to have been committed if the person ought reasonably to have known. (par2)

Protect Yourself! By learning how not to plagiarize you will protect yourself from many things: Academic fraud, which can lead to zeros, discipline referrals, and even expulsion! Being accused of cheating. Being thought of as stupid and/or dishonest. Lawsuits!!!!!

Obviously it's against the rules to buy essays or copy chunks from your friend's homework, and it's also plagiarism to borrow passages from books or articles or Web sites without identifying them. The purpose of most academic papers is to show your own thinking, not create a patchwork of borrowed ideas. In this course we will use M.L.A. Format. But the real challenge is establishing the relationship of your thinking to the reading you've done (yes, that includes the Internet). My web-site offers a link to a document that explain in detail the procedure for using MLA format in most English 10, 11, 12 situations. You should print a copy of this.

Common Questions Can't I avoid problems just by listing every source in the bibliography/works cited page? No, you need to integrate your acknowledgements into what you're saying. Provide a citation as soon as you've mentioned the idea you're using, not just at the end of the paragraph. This happens in, or at the end of, each sentence that uses an outside source. In MLA you use parenthetical citations which you most often put at the end of the sentence in question. This will lead the reader to your works cited page.

Questions If I put the ideas into my own words, do I still have to clog up my pages with all those names and numbers? Sorry—yes, you do. In academic papers, you need to keep mentioning authors and pages every single time. But whether you quote a passage directly in quotation marks, paraphrase it closely in your own words, or just summarize it, you need to identify the source then and there. (This applies to internet sources too.)

Questions But I didn't know anything about the subject until I started this paper. Do I have to give an acknowledgement for every point I make? You're safer to over-reference than to skimp. You will not be accused of plagiarism if you cite a source. But you can cut down the clutter by recognizing that some ideas are "common knowledge" in the field—that is, taken for granted by people knowledgeable about the topic. In some disciplines, information covered in class lectures doesn't need acknowledgement. Check with your teacher if you're in doubt whether a specific point is considered common knowledge in your field.

Questions How can I tell what's my own idea and what has come from somebody else? –A WEAK EXCUSE, BY THE WAY! You are responsible for keeping careful and accurate record of any ideas that are not your own! Always write down the author, title and publication information (including the identifying information for web pages) so you can attach names and dates to specific ideas. Taking good notes is also essential. Don't paste passages from web pages into your draft: that's asking for trouble.

So what exactly do I have to document? Quotations, paraphrases, or summaries: If you use the author's exact words, enclose them in quotation marks, or double indent passages of more than four lines. In most cases, use your own words to paraphrase or summarize the idea you want to discuss, emphasizing the points relevant to your argument. But be sure to name sources even when you are not using the exact original words.

So what exactly do I have to document? Specific facts used as evidence for your argument or interpretation: First consider whether the facts you're mentioning are "common knowledge" according to the definition above; if so, you may not need to give a reference. But when you're relying on facts that might be disputed within your discipline—perhaps newly published data—establish that they're trustworthy by showing that you got them from an authoritative source.

So what exactly do I have to document? Distinctive or authoritative ideas, whether you agree with them or not: The way you introduce a reference can indicate your attitude and lead into your own argument.

Remember It is your responsibility to reference all resources you use. Do not plead ignorance if you get caught. Be ready to face the consequences**** It is really stupid to try to get away with plagiarizing! Cite your sources and avoid the hassles!

CONSEQUENCES You and all parties involved will not receive a grade for the paper and will have to meet the outcomes in a different way. The student(s) can be referred to the principal for subsequent disciplinary action including suspension. No exemptions from exams! A clear example of plagiarism!

My Duty As a teacher I feel it is my duty to try to protect the honest and innocent: University acceptance Scholarships Honours and High Honours Actually meeting the course outcomes

QUESTIONS? I HAVE RARELY GONE A WHOLE SEMESTER WITHOUT PLAGIARISM REARING ITS UGLY HEAD. PLEASE AVOID THIS PROBLEM. THE BEST WAY TO AVOID IT IS TO DO YOUR READING AND THE RELATED WORK ON YOUR OWN.

Primetime Live— “Caught Cheating” We are going to view a Primetime Live special on cheating. (50 min) NOTES To be used for a brief writing task.