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Some Plagiarism Facts

Here are some areas that particularly confuse many people. Now you know…

• It is still plagiarism if you paraphrase. 
  You can't just use a few synonyms. Either change the idea or phrase into your own words, completely, or quote exactly as you find it.
  In either case you must cite the information because it wasn't your idea.
  The only difference is, if you use the exact phrase, you must put it into quotation marks.

• If you put something in quotes, then it's not plagiarism.
  Incorrect. You must still provide the source along with the quotation marks.

• It it's on the internet, it means anyone can use it. 
  Nope. The material is owned by the author of the website or the article and you much acknowledge it.
  If there is no author given, then use whatever information you can find, eg. name of the website. 

• I'm a student so I can use what I want.
  No, your teacher will still expect you to give sources. Plagiarism is a form of cheating
  because you are implying that you handed in something that you didn't actually write.

• I don't have to give a source for images, audio, movies, flyers, etc. 
  No, again. You do, unless you created the media. Would you want someone stealing your art or writing?

• Do I have to quote every bit of information!
  You do NOT have to quote something that is common knowledge or a well-known fact. If unsure, please speak to your teacher. 

Examples of common knowledge are: Stephen Harper is Prime Minister of Canada, the principal of Tiferes is Rabbi Feigenbaum, etc.

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