1. Plagiarism What it really is and how to avoid it! Used with permission from the authors, Michelle Kramer & Sherri Miller Mount Lebanon High School Pittsburgh, PA Adapted with permission from the authors by Barb Lachman Shorewood H.S.

2. Objectives for This Tutorial Read about examples of plagiarism and the consequences in the real world. Learn more about plagiarism: What plagiarism is and how you can avoid itWhat plagiarism is and how you can avoid it When to cite your sourcesWhen to cite your sources How to cite your sourcesHow to cite your sources Take Quiz #1 to check your understanding of plagiarism. Take the Final Quiz to check your understanding of Source Citations. Pledge that you will avoid plagiarism.

3. You know something about plagiarism…Don’t you? Sure you do. Teachers have been talking (and talking, and talking) about plagiarism—and how you should avoid it. But, if it is so bad, why do students (and adults) do it?

4. Why do students plagiarize? 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?

5. Why do students plagiarize? Here are some excuses… Why does it matter? My (pick one of the following) teacher/parent/guardian doesn’t care if I do it. I didn’t understand the assignment and I needed some help. I didn’t know that I had to cite my sources. 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?

6. Why do students plagiarize? Here are some excuses… Why does it matter? My (pick one of the following) teacher/parent/guardian doesn’t care if I do it. 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. I didn’t understand the assignment and I needed some help. I didn’t know that I had to cite my sources. 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?

7. Why do students plagiarize? Here are some excuses… Why does it matter? My (pick one of the following) teacher/parent/guardian doesn’t care if I do it. 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 any of those before? I didn’t understand the assignment and I needed some help. I didn’t know that I had to cite my sources. 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?

8. But those are weak excuses … There is no acceptable reason for plagiarism. Plagiarism is cheating and it will be treated seriously if it is found in your work. Look at these real life examples…

9. Real Life Plagiarism Scandals Doris Kearns Goodwin, a Pulitzer Prize winning historian, was forced to step down from the Pulitzer board after she was found to have accidentally used another’s words in one of her books. Hostetter, Janet. 6 Apr 2006. Associated Press Images. 5 Aug 2008. Kirpatrick, David D. “Author Goodwin Resigns from Pulitzer Board.” New York Times. (1 June 2002.) 5 Aug. 2008..

10. Real Life Plagiarism Scandals After being accused of rampant plagiarism in her work, tenured professor Madonna G. Constantine was fired from her position at Columbia University. Bondafeff, Dian. 10 Oct. 2007. Associated Press Images. 5 Aug 2008.. Santora, Marc. “Columbia Professor in Noose Case Is Fired on Plagiarism Charges.” New York Times. (24 June 2008.) 5 Aug. 2008..

11. Real Life Plagiarism Scandals As a reporter for the New York Times, Jayson Blair plagiarized or fabricated in more than 40 stories between 2002 and 2005. He was fired from his job. The top two editors of the newspaper resigned as a result of the scandal. “Correcting the Record.” New York Times. 11 May 2003. The New York Times. 5 Aug 2008. Image: Szymaszek, Jennifer. 12 May 2004. Associated Press Images. 5 Aug 2008.

12. Real Life Plagiarism Scandals Blair Hornstein was the valedictorian of her high school class and had earned admission to Harvard University. After articles Hornstein wrote for a local newspaper were discovered to have been plagiarized, Harvard University withdrew their acceptance. Capuzzo, Jill P. “MOORESTOWN JOURNAL; Seeing Crimson.” New York Times. (20 July 2003.) 5 Aug. 2008.. “Blair Hornstein.” The Gothamist. 14 July 2003. 5 Aug. 2008..

13. So, as you can see, plagiarism is a serious offense. This presentation is part of your class work so that you know what plagiarism is and how you can avoid it.

14. Definition of Plagiarism Plagiarism is: To steal the words or ideas of another personTo steal the words or ideas of another person To pass off the words or ideas of another person as your ownTo pass off the words or ideas of another person as your ownFurther: It doesn’t matter whether the theft is intentional or accidental. Either way, it is plagiarism.It doesn’t matter whether the theft is intentional or accidental. Either way, it is plagiarism.

15. Let’s look at some hypothetical situations. For each, determine if the student plagiarized or did not. Decide on your answer before you move to the next slide.

16. Jack’s 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 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?

17. Jack DID plagiarize. Jack’s actions constitute plagiarism. Jack is committing plagiarism by taking the ideas of the source without citing them in the paper.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 ideas from the source.Even though he put the ideas in his own words, Jack is stealing ideas from the source.

18. Jill’s Situation During history class, Jill is asked to find some background on Fidel Castro’s rise to power. Jill does a Google search and arrives at Wikipedia’s article on Fidel Castro. Without using quotation marks, Jill cuts and pastes several sentences from Wikipedia into her assignment. Is this plagiarism?

19. Jill DID plagiarize. Jill’s actions constitute plagiarism. By taking the words from the Wikipedia article, Jill is committing plagiarism.By taking the words from the Wikipedia article, Jill is committing plagiarism. She can avoid plagiarizing by quoting the article in her assignment and including an entry that describes the source in a bibliography at the end of her paper.She can avoid plagiarizing by quoting the article in her assignment and including an entry that describes the source in a bibliography at the end of her paper.

20. Gretel’s Situation Gretel is a freshman who is having trouble keeping up with work. When her science teacher assigns a short worksheet on genetics, Gretel is confused and frustrated. During lunch, Gretel borrows her friend’s paper and copies the answers onto her own paper. Is this plagiarism?

21. Gretel DID plagiarize. Gretel’s actions constitute plagiarism. Even if Gretel’s friend gave permission for Gretel to copy her work, it is still plagiarism. If Gretel’s friend gave her permission, her friend is also guilty of plagiarism.Even if Gretel’s friend gave permission for Gretel to copy her work, it is still plagiarism. If Gretel’s friend gave her permission, her friend is also guilty of plagiarism. Gretel is guilty of plagiarism. She tried to take credit for the words and ideas of another person.Gretel is guilty of plagiarism. She tried to take credit for the words and ideas of another person.

22. Think you’ve got it? Read the following… (and pay attention! There will be a quiz on this information at the end!)

23. Definition of Plagiarism Plagiarism is: To steal the words or ideas of another personTo steal the words or ideas of another person To pretend the words or ideas of another person are your ownTo pretend the words or ideas of another person are your own It doesn’t matter whether the theft is intentional or accidental. Either way, it is plagiarism.It doesn’t matter whether the theft is intentional or accidental. Either way, it is plagiarism.

24. How to Avoid Plagiarism Cite the source of any idea or words you take from anyone else. Use quotation marks to mark the beginning and end of the source’s words. Write a bibliography (a list of your sources) to show your sources.

25. OK, I get it… there are penalties for plagiarizing because it is stealing someone else’s words or ideas. But, if I’m not caught, I won’t get in trouble. So, what is the benefit of citing my sources?

26. Four good reasons for citing sources in your work: Citing reliable information gives credibility to your work and shows you are a good researcher. Cheating is dishonest. 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.

27. You probably have two questions: (1) What do I need to cite? (2) How do I cite? Read on for the answers…

28. What do I need to cite? If you created it without any help, you don’t need to cite it! If you didn’t create it by yourself, you must cite the sources where you got ideas or information. If the information is common knowledge you don’t need to cite it.

29. What’s COMMON KNOWLEDGE? The one exception for citation is common knowledge. You do not need to cite the information IF: (1) an educated person should know the information, OR (2) it is a basic fact that could be found in an encyclopedia.

30. So, you don’t need to cite a basic fact that is common knowledge. but you must cite the source of opinions and ideas that are not your own. And, you must cite anytime you use the exact words of the source—even if the words are presenting common knowledge. So, you don’t need to cite a basic fact that is common knowledge. but you must cite the source of opinions and ideas that are not your own. And, you must cite anytime you use the exact words of the source—even if the words are presenting common knowledge.

31. So, you don’t need to cite a basic fact, For example: The writer Harper Lee wrote To Kill a Mockingbird. OR Harper Lee was born in 1926. but you must cite the source of opinions and ideas that are not your own. For example: Dorothy Gale believes that Lord of the Flies is an inspiring story (75). OR According to Joe Smith, Piggy represents the human spirit (15). And, you must cite anytime you use the exact words of the source—even if the words are presenting common knowledge.

32. Last Review If you created it without any help, you don’t need to cite it. If you didn’t create it by yourself, you must cite the sources where you got ideas or information. If the information is common knowledge you don’t need to cite it. If you use the exact words of any source--even if the information is common knowledge--you must use quotation marks around the quote and cite it.

33. So, let’s check to see that you understand when you need to cite the source and when you don’t… Are you ready for a practice quiz? If you want, you can review this presentation again first. Don’t go to the next slide until you’re ready.

34. Test Case #1: Choose an answer before looking at the next slide. Jack isn’t sure if he needs to cite the source of the information below. He found the fact online. “Abraham Lincoln was our 16 th president.” What do you think? What should Jack do? Choose 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 source’s 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. Jack should verify the information in at least two sources, then Jack will write the well-known information in his own words.

35. Jack does NOT need to cite this information. Jack does not need to cite the source or quote the information because it is common knowledge. Abraham Lincoln’s status as the 16 th President of the US is a fact that is well-known and can be found in many places. Therefore, Jack can use the information without citation.

36. Test Case #2: Choose an answer before looking at the next slide. In her paper on Affirmative Action, Jill found one source that explained that Affirmative Action “evens the field of play by forcing equality among all players.” In her paper, Jill uses the phrase “forcing equality” without using quotation marks, but she puts all the other parts of the source into her own words. What should Jill do? Choose 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 source’s 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. Jill should verify the information in at least two sources, then Jill will write the well-known information in her own words.

37. 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 “forcing equality,” she must include that phrase in quotation marks, indicating that it is a direct quotation from the source.

38. Test Case #3: Choose an answer before looking at the next slide. Gretel found a very helpful article in an online database. She very carefully rewrote the content in her own words and style; she changed the order and organization so that it fit smoothly 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 her 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 the source. This means that the information is a commonly reported fact. It is generally known and available from many sources. Gretel should verify the information in at least two sources, then Gretel will write the well-known information in her own words.

39. Gretel MUST cite the source. Gretel rewrote the source’s idea and content, and she must give credit to the source. She must provide her reader with the source of the idea that she used.

40. Are you ready? If not, review the presentation again. Then, tell your teacher you are ready to take Quiz #1: Identifying Plagiarism

41. Next, how to Cite a Source It’s 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 source’s words or idea.First, carefully mark the beginning and end of the source’s words or idea. Then, provide a bibliography to show where the borrowed material originated.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!

42. How to Cite Direct Quotations 1. Write a bibliography entry to show where the material originated. 2. Carefully mark the beginning and end of the source’s words or idea. Use a signal phrase to introduce the source.Use a signal phrase to introduce the source. Use quotation marks to surround the words of the source.Use quotation marks to surround the words of the source. Provide the page number (or author and page number) after the closing quotation marks.Provide the page number (or author and page number) after the closing quotation marks.

43. How to Cite Direct Quotations 1. Write a bibliography entry to show where the material originated. Park, Beth L. Understanding William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. Lebo University Press: Pittsburgh, PA, 2008.

44. How to Cite Direct Quotations 2. Carefully mark the beginning and end of the source’s words or idea. Use a signal phrase to introduce the source.Use a signal phrase to introduce the source. Use quotation marks to surround the words of the source.Use quotation marks to surround the words of the source. Provide the page number (or author and page number) after the closing quotation marks.Provide the page number (or author and page number) after the closing quotation marks.EXAMPLE: According to critic Beth L. Parks, Piggy finds peace through “his search for the height of his own potential” (Parks, 24).

45. How to Cite Paraphrases 1. Provide a bibliographic entry to show where the borrowed material originated. 2. Mark the beginning and end of the source’s material. Use a signal phrase to introduce the sourceUse a signal phrase to introduce the source Put the source’s original words into your own words:Put the source’s original words into your own words: Change words, the order of the words, and the sentence structure. Change words, the order of the words, and the sentence structure. If you only change it a little bit, it is still plagiarism If you only change it a little bit, it is still plagiarism Provide the page number (or author and page number) after the closing quotation marks.Provide the page number (or author and page number) after the closing quotation marks.

46. How to Cite Paraphrases 1. Write a bibliography entry to show where the material originated. Park, Beth L. Understanding William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. Lebo University Press: Pittsburgh, PA, 2008.

47. How to Cite Paraphrases 2. Mark the beginning and end of the source’s material. Use a signal phrase to introduce the sourceUse a signal phrase to introduce the source Put the source’s original words into your own words:Put the source’s original words into your own words: Change words, the order of the words, and the sentence structure. Change words, the order of the words, and the sentence structure. If you only change it a little bit, it is still plagiarism If you only change it a little bit, it is still plagiarism Provide the page number (or author and page number) after the closing quotation marks.Provide the page number (or author and page number) after the closing quotation marks. EXAMPLE: Literary critic Beth L. Parks says Piggy tries hard to keep order so he can be be a good person (Parks, 24).

48. It can be said in a bunch of different ways… Mark the boundaries

49. It can be said in a bunch of different ways… Mark the boundaries Bracket the borrowed

50. It can be said in a bunch of different ways… Mark the boundaries Fence the borders Bracket the borrowed

51. It can be said in a bunch of different ways… Mark the boundaries Enclose the borrowed Fence the borders Bracket the borrowed

52. It can be said in a bunch of different ways… Mark the boundaries Frame the usage Enclose the borrowed Fence the borders Bracket the borrowed

53. It can be said in a bunch of different ways… Mark the boundaries Frame the usage Enclose the borrowed Fence the borders Surround the usage Bracket the borrowed

54. But, they all mean the same thing… Clearly show which words and ideas are not your own. It can be said in a bunch of different ways… Mark the boundaries Frame the usage Enclose the borrowed Fence the borders Circumscribe the usage Bracket the borrowed

55. Can you identify plagiarism when you see it? Try the following four examples. On each you will see the source material and the student’s use of that material. See if you can judge what is acceptable use or plagiarism. Decide on your answer before you move to the next slide.

56. Acceptable Use or Plagiarism? Example 1 Original text from the source: Student’s Text: 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 UsePlagiarism CHOOSE ONE:

57. This example shows Plagiarism! The student put the author’s idea into her own words; however, she did not give credit to the source of the idea.

58. Acceptable Use or Plagiarism? Example 2 Original text from the source: Student’s Text: Student’s Bibliography: 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. 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 UsePlagiarism CHOOSE ONE:

59. This example shows Acceptable Use! The student clearly marked the boundaries of the paraphrase: He used the author’s name at the beginning of the paraphrase to show where Phillips’ idea starts.He used the author’s name at the beginning of the paraphrase to show where Phillips’ idea starts. He used the page number at the end of the paraphrase to show where Phillips’ idea ends.He used the page number at the end of the paraphrase to show where Phillips’ idea ends. The reference on the bibliography page is accurate.

60. Acceptable Use or Plagiarism? Example 3 Original text from the source: Student’s Text: Student’s Bibliography: Lincoln was so admired in his lifetime because he had integrity. Integrity must be sincere. Through an individual’s words, deeds, and actions, integrity can be judged to be genuine. 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 UsePlagiarism CHOOSE ONE:

61. This example shows Plagiarism! The student used the exact words of the source without providing any indication of their origin. A reader would believe that this passage is the work of the student, and it is not.

62. Acceptable Use or Plagiarism? Example 4 Original text from the source: Student’s Text: Student’s Bibliography: 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) 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. Acceptable UsePlagiarism CHOOSE ONE:

63. This example shows Plagiarism! The student changed the order of the words and the structure of the sentences; however, he did not give credit to Phillips’ book as the source of the idea.

64. So, to review… Plagiarism is a serious offense. Not only does it carry heavy penalties, but your integrity is damaged when you plagiarize. Plagiarism is easily avoidable—just cite the sources when you use the words or ideas of another person. If you have any questions, see your teacher or school librarian!

65. Final Directions: If you want, review this presentation again. If you want, review this presentation again. Ready? Now, tell your teacher you are ready for Final Quiz: Citing Resources. Ready? Now, tell your teacher you are ready for Final Quiz: Citing Resources. At the end of the quiz is an honor code statement. You will sign it in order to show you have had this training. At the end of the quiz is an honor code statement. You will sign it in order to show you have had this training. Then have your parent sign the honor code. Then have your parent sign the honor code. Your English teacher will collect these signed forms. Your English teacher will collect these signed forms.

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

67. End of presentation. If you have questions or suggestions, please see your teacher or librarian.