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All About Plagiarism

This guide includes information on the ins and outs of plagiarism, what it looks like, how to avoid it, and some famous examples.

Plagiarism: What It is and Why to Avoid It

What is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s ideas or words without acknowledging the original source. It can be done on purpose, such as when a student purchases or downloads a paper and submits it as her own work. It can also be done on accident, if a student doesn’t understand how to properly acknowledge information sources in a research paper.

Consequences of Student Plagiarism

Regardless of intent, plagiarism can damage a student’s reputation and lead to grave consequences such as failing an assignment or failing a course. You can learn more about NWACC’s specific policies and procedures regarding plagiarism and other violations of academic honesty in the Student Handbook.  

Using Sources without Plagiarizing

 

Try these methods of incorporating sources into your writing:

  Quoting Paraphrasing Summarizing
What is it? Word for word. Include a lead-in, quotation marks, and in-text citation. Idea for idea. Use your own words and an in-text citation. Big picture. Use your own words and an in-text citation.
Example (APA) Partida (2025) explained the difference between the outward and inward characteristics of Frankenstein's monster, saying, "While the creature, through the combined efforts of Pierce and Whale, was made a physical representation of outcasts in society, his behavior within the film does not reflect this fear and hatred that he invokes" (p. 8). Partida (2025) explained the disconnect between the appearance and outcast status of Frankenstein's monster and his surprisingly gentle and tame behavior (p. 8). Other authors have claimed that Pierce and Whale's portrayal of Frankenstein's monster highlights the contrast between his unattractive appearance and outcast status, and his reasonable and kind behavior (Bruno, 2024; Partida, 2025).
Avoid Plagiarism!
  • Include all required elements of citation. For a quotation, this includes author name, year of publication, and page number.
  • Use brackets to change verb tenses as needed. This will allow you to accurately portray what the author you're quoting wrote while maintaining the flow of your sentence.
    • Example: Baack (2025) held that H.G. Wells' The Time Machine "demonstrate[d] a clear anxiety about the future of industrialization" (p. 1).
  • Don't look back at the text you're paraphrasing when you write your sentence. This will help you avoid copying the author's word choice and syntax.
  • If your paraphrase is looking too similar to the original source, you have a couple of options:
    • Quote instead
    • Reflect: Do I understand this source? Do I need to reread it to gain a better understanding? Do I need to ask for help understanding the source? Do I need to consider using a different source?
  • Follow the same guidelines you would for a paraphrase.

References

Partida, A. C. (2025). A modern Prometheus: Frankenstein's relevance in our modern society (Publication No. 31933860) [Master's thesis, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ProQuest One Literature. https://www.proquest.com/pq1lit/dissertations-theses/modern-prometheus-frankensteins-relevance-our/docview/3240604216/sem-2?accountid=12916

*All other in-text citation examples are made up by your librarians for the purpose of demonstration.

Common Knowledge

You must always give credit to your information sources, unless you are writing about common knowledge. Most experts agree common knowledge is information that is both known by a large number of people and verifiable in an extensive array of credible source. People interpret these criteria differently, depending on the individual, context and audience. To play it safe, err on the side of caution and credit your information sources—or ask your instructor if you have any questions whether the information you wish to use is considered common knowledge.

Examples:  Common knowledge (no documentation required)

Plagiarism for profit can lead to severe legal and financial consequences.
People who plagiarize risk damaging their careers and reputations.

 

Examples:  Information not considered common knowledge (documentation required):

Dropped quote (not acceptable in academic writing):  “Tom Squitieri, a 16-year veteran of USA Today, resigned from the newspaper yesterday after his editors said he lifted quotations from other newspapers without attribution” (Seelye).
Integrated quote: Amid accusations he “lifted quotations from other newspapers without attribution,” USA Today journalist Tom Squitieri left his long-term position (Seelye).
Paraphrase with signal phrase: According to New York Times writer Katharine Seeyle, journalist Tom Squitieri left USA Today amid plagiarism accusations.
Paraphrase without signal phrase: Journalist Tom Squitieri left his position at USA Today amid plagiarism accusations (Seeyle).

 

Work Cited

Seelye, Katharine Q. "USA Today Reporter Quits Over Lifting Quotations." New York Times, 6 May 2005, p. C5(L). Health & Wellness Resource Center, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A132176990/HWRC?u=nwestakcc&sid=HWRC&xid=8d4ff194.

Using Citations

In college, you will be expected to follow established guidelines for source documentation (also called citation or attribution). There are a variety of established guidelines for doing so, and many of your instructors require a specific style, including--but not limited to--MLA, APA, Chicago, and ASA.

Crafting acceptable paraphrases, integrating quotations, and documenting sources are difficult tasks. Please take advantage of the expert assistance available to you at NWACC. Your instructors are excellent sources of help, and most are available to meet with you individually to help you understand assignment requirements and develop your skills.

Here are other excellent sources of expert assistance:

Learn More and Practice Your Skills

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