How to Avoid Plagiarism

Plagiarism occurs when ideas or words that you advance as your own have actually been taken from other people.

Step 1: Use quotation marks Place quotation marks around any phrases or words you borrow directly from another source.
Step 2: Paraphrase Attribute any ideas you take from other sources to their originators. Rephrase in your own words, but mention where they came from.
TIP: Although plagiarism is a violation of professional ethics, most examples fall short of copyright infringement, a legal offense.
Step 3: Keep notes Keep your own ideas separate from those of others by taking notes as you read.
FACT: Did you know? Plagiarism comes from the Latin plagiarius, which means "kidnapper."