Bruin Success with Less Stress

True Plagiarism Horror Story!

While grading papers, an instructor came across one that sounded strangely familiar. He paused for a moment and then it came to him, "Hey! This is my writing!" The student had plagiarized an essay that was written by the very person teaching the class! True story.

Anonymous. "Re: Your Student's Plagiarism Case & College Library Tutorial." 5 Aug. 2003.

• Always cite and document other people's words, ideas, and other intellectual property. that you use in your papers and that influence your ideas.
• There are many citation styles—always ask which style your instructor prefers.
• Keep track of citation information as you do your research.
• Take good notes and clearly mark them as quotes, summaries, paraphrases, or your original thoughts to help you avoid accidentally plagiarizing.
• Always cite quotes, paraphrases and summaries.
• Paraphrases and summaries do not include your analysis and interpretation—always make a clear distinction between your thoughts and someone else's.
• Always make sure you are clear on what would be considered acceptable group work.
• When in doubt, ask your instructor.