What is plagiarism?
It is “the act of presenting someone else’s ideas as
your own” (Sebranek 256).
Note-Taking
Tip:
While taking notes, put quotation marks around direct quotes
and identify the source on the same page.
Avoid
plagiarism by documenting the works of others when:
“
...you use someone else's words” (Harris). Use quotation
marks around direct quotes to give the writer or speaker
credit.
“…
you revise or paraphrase the words of someone else or just use
their ideas” (Harris). When paraphrasing, give credit
in note form.
“
...you use information gained through interviewing another person” (OWL).
“
...you reprint any diagrams, illustrations, charts, and pictures” (OWL).
“
...you use ideas that others have given you in conversations
or over email” (OWL).
You do not have to document when:
“
...you are writing your own experiences, your own observations,
your own insights, your own thoughts, your own conclusions about
a subject” (OWL).
“
...you are using ‘common knowledge’ — folklore,
common sense observations, shared information within your field
of study or cultural group” (OWL).
“
...you are compiling generally accepted facts” (OWL).
“
...you are writing up your own experimental results” (OWL).
