How to Avoid Plagiarism
- 1). Know what you want to say before you write. Having a good idea of the content will make it easier to support your ideas.
- 2). Use multiple sources. If you consult only one, your writing may seem unbalanced and you'll be tempted to omit citations.
- 3). Remember that ideas as well as word can be plagiarized.
- 4). Add your own spin to paraphrased ideas, but cite the source if it's not your original thought.
- 5). Give proper credit to the author for absolutely everything copied word for word.
- 6). Learn how to cite sources in your text, footnotes and bibliography. Note all resources, including electronic ones.
- 7). If you're in doubt about any section of your work, put it through an online plagiarism checker. See the resources below for some good plagiarism defense sites.
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