Plagiarism - how to avoid it! - Lowther Hall Nora Collisson Centre (Library) - LibGuides at Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School

What is plagiarism?

Plagiarism is presenting someone else's words or ideas as your own. The following are all examples of plagiarism:

Quoting or paraphrasing material without citing the source of that material. Sources can include Web sites, magazines, newspapers, textbooks, journals, TV and radio programs, movies and videos, photographs and drawings, charts and graphs; any information or ideas that are not your own.
Quoting a source without using quotation marks -- even if you do cite it.
Buying a paper online or downloading a paper from a free site.
Copying or using work done by another student.
Citing sources you didn't use.
Turning in the same paper for more than one class without the permission of both teachers.

(Student Guide to Avoiding Plagiarism)

How to spot plagiarism in your work

(CC BY NC SA via EasyBib)

Video: BrainPop - Plagiarism

Real Life Plagiarism

Celebrities can also be guilty of plagiarism! Here are a few famous examples:

In 2016 Melania Trump gave a speech that was suspiciously similar to a 2008 speech by Michelle Obama
Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams had to pay $7.3 million to Marvin Gaye's estate after they were found guilty of plagiarising one of his songs
Even Beyoncé has been accused of plagiarism - a number of her videos including "Countdown" and "Lemonade" have been subject to plagiarism allegations

Books in the LRC

The Complete Guide to Referencing and Avoiding Plagarism by Colin Neville
ISBN: 9780335241040
Publication Date: 2010-01-01
This excellent new edition of The Complete Guide to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism will continue to demystify the referencing process and provide essential guidance on making sure you are not committing plagiarism.
Think for Yourself by Kristine Carlson Asselin; Gwen Hart (Consultant Editor)
ISBN: 9781476515717
Publication Date: 2013-01-01
Researching and writing can be fun. But how do you know you're quoting and summarizing properly in your written work? Discover how to understand public domain, how to cite a source, and how to use someone else's words appropriately in your papers and projects.
Ultimate Study Skills Workbook by Sarah Moore
ISBN: 9780335240074
Publication Date: 2010-01-01
Covering all the core skills you will need to help you make the most of your university course, The Ultimate Study Skills Handbook is your key to success.
The Everything Guide to Study Skills by Cynthia Clumeck Muchnick
ISBN: 9781440507441
Publication Date: 2011-07-18
Here's something worth learning: Studying doesn't have to be a chore! This fun and accessible resource provides the tools you need to develop better study habits, boost your grades, and position yourself for academic success. Educational consultant Cynthia Clumeck Muchnick uses a wide range of ideas taken from hundreds of students to help you find a unique, effective method suited for your individual learning style.

Useful links

You Quote It, You Note It! – This interactive online tutorial explains the differences between paraphrasing, quoting and plagiarism (and also provides some useful research tips)

Is It Plagiarism Yet? - What kind of things do you need to credit in your writing? What is common knowledge?

Safe Practices - Practical tips on how to avoid accidental plagiarism