How
to Avoid Plagiarism
There are numerous resources on the Internet that
provide tips. The following is general advice from
Sharon
Williams at Hamilton College:
The best way to avoid plagiarism
is to keep control of your argument. Include ideas from other sources only
when those ideas add weight to your argument. When you use material from
other sources:
• Select carefully. Quotations
should give weight to your argument.
• Be sure to integrate all
ideas from other sources into your own discussion. Introduce direct quotations
with your own words. After quoting, explain the significance of quotations.
• Avoid quoting more than is
necessary. Most of the time, brief quotations suffice.
• Use direct quotations only
when the author's wording is necessary or particularly effective.
• If you are using material
cited by an author and you do not have the original source, introduce the
quotation with a phrase such as "as quoted in...."
• Place all direct quotations
within quotation marks, or indent them if using block quotes. Be sure to
copy quotations exactly as they appear.
• To avoid any unintentional
failure to cite sources, include all citation information on notecards
and in your first draft.
At all times, stay in control
of your argument
and let your own voice speak
for you.
Questions? Confused?
Always ask!
If you need further assistance,
please contact Debra Revere. |
