WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO AVOID IT Unintentional Plagiarism

What is Plagiarism? What do you think plagiarism means? What is plagiarism? A professor's answer What is plagiarism? A professor's answer What are some of the temptations?

Intentional vs. Unintentional Plagiarism Internet cheats Cliff notes Wikipedia Changing key words

Unintentional Plagiarism “I don’t know how to cite this…” “I thought we only had to cite in formal essays…” “There wasn’t a source listed…” “I copied it from my notes…” “I was just paraphrasing…”

Information and Media used in … 1. Essays 2. Blog/Journal Entries 3. Informal Research 4. Presentations 5. Other minor written assignments NEED TO BE CITED. You don’t have to cite in:  Informal discussions during class  Discussion notes used in essays*  Vocabulary sentences (should be your own work)  Grammar exercises (unless otherwise specified)  Personal essays (unless you talk about facts related to your subject)  Personal anecdotes  Pictures or film you captured *Discussion of a work can sometimes a specific source… “I read that…”

Original Text Paraphrase In a culture without written language, the arts of conversation and oration are prized. Wisdom is transmitted through proverbs, stories, and myths. The agrarian cycle of seasons, with their work and festivals, the judicious use of snuff and palm wine, the importance of music and dance, all could be noted and compared to similar Western mores. In Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, there is no written language. In Okonkwo’s culture, the elders pass on wisdom through oral methods like proverbs and stories. However, there are still similarities between Western culture and African cultures (Beaupre). Paraphrasing vs. My Own Words Beaupre, Daniel. “Things Fall Apart: Teacher’s Guide.” Random House for Teachers Aug Path: Search; Author’s Last name; Achebe. Hacker: MLA 32B, #28

Paraphrasing My own words Uses the source (teacher’s guide) and applies it to the analysis being made. In the case of the previous example, it was analyzing the culture. Doesn’t use a source for analysis, but rather my own thoughts on the matter. Ex. In Things Fall Apart, being a good orator gives added social status to a person in the tribe. For women, telling stories brings attention. For men, it allows them to be persuasive during important tribe meetings. Paraphrasing v. My Own Words

Using your Hacker manual To cite in written work in English class, we will always use MLA format Use A Pocket Style Manual by Diana Hacker to find out how to cite a source If you don’t understand what the book is asking you to do, come see me before the paper or assignment is due. For research, media, and pictures used in class discussions and other minor assignments, a link will suffice. If you have doubts, ask!

Other Ways to Avoid Plagiarism Plan your paper/assignment ahead of time and write a draft Review your plan/draft with your teacher Understand how to cite a specific source by checking your Hacker manual thoroughly. Avoid using sites that provide cheats or cliff notes See me with your doubts before the assignment is due

Sources Cited Kellet, Dave. “Sheldon Daily Comic Strip.” Cartoon. Sheldon Comics December 2007: Aug MLA 32B, #39 and #27 Maier, Pat. “Essay Writing.” VideoJug VideoJug Corporation Limited. 13 Aug MLA 32b #27 or #47 Plagiarism.org Aug MLA 32b #27