Avoiding Plagiarism (Step-by-step)

Step-by-Step Paraphrasing Process: 1. Read the original source carefully and understand the main idea 2. Set the source aside (don't look at it while writing) 3. Write the idea in your own words, using your own sentence structure 4. Compare your version to the original: - Does it use different words? - Does it use different sentence structure? - Does it still accurately represent the original idea? 5. If yes to all, add a citation to your paraphrase 6. If no, rewrite it more completely in your own words Example: Original: "Academic integrity is fundamental to the educational process." (Smith, 2023, p. 12) Good paraphrase: Learning requires honest academic behavior (Smith, 2023). Poor paraphrase (patchwriting): Academic integrity is basic to the education process. [Missing citation + too similar to original]

How to Take Notes to Avoid Plagiarism: For each source: - Source: [Author, Title, Date, URL or page numbers] - Direct quotes (in quotation marks): [Copy exact words] - Paraphrased ideas: [Write in your own words] - My own thoughts: [Clearly mark with 'ME:' or 'MY IDEA:'] Example Note: Source: Smith, J. (2023). Academic Integrity Guide. p. 45 Direct quote: "Academic integrity is the foundation of learning." Paraphrased idea: Learning depends on students acting honestly in their academic work. MY IDEA: This connects to my thesis about building trust in education. --- This way, when you write your paper, you can clearly see what came from sources (and cite it) vs. what are your own ideas.

Before Submitting - Citation Checklist: □ Every direct quote has quotation marks and a citation with page number □ Every paraphrased idea has a citation □ Every source in your reference list is cited at least once in-text □ Every source cited in-text appears in your reference list □ Your reference list is properly formatted (APA, MLA, etc.) □ All citations match your required citation style (check assignment instructions) □ You've checked your assignment instructions for collaboration rules □ You've reviewed your work for any accidental plagiarism □ You've kept drafts/notes in case you need to show your work process □ If you used AI tools, you've followed course policy on disclosure/citation

Ask your instructor when: 1. You're unsure if a specific piece of information needs citation 2. You're not sure about collaboration rules for a particular assignment 3. You want to reuse your own work from a previous course 4. You're unsure about the citation style required (APA vs MLA vs Chicago, etc.) 5. You're unclear about whether you can use study groups, tutoring help, or AI tools 6. The assignment instructions are unclear about citation requirements 7. You're facing an allegation and need to understand the process It's always better to ask than to make a mistake. Most instructors appreciate students who ask questions to do things correctly.