When drafting a document, plagiarism is a reason for sanction and even rejection. However, it can sometimes be difficult to understand what plagiarism is and thus avoid it. In this article we will remind you of what plagiarism is and give you some tips to avoid it.
Plagiarism: what is it?
Plagiarizing means using intentions or ideas that belong to third parties without specifying their belonging. In fact, you cannot attribute to yourself the words you find in your reference works. You can’t even use someone else’s work and pass it off as yours, even if that person has given you permission. However, there are some tips to avoid plagiarism.
Plagiarism: how to avoid it?
Make quotes
If you want to echo another person’s intentions or ideas, you must do so in the form of quotes, by putting them in quotes. Plus, you need to make the source of your quote clearly appear, whether it’s in the text itself or through a footnote. Finally, the bibliography at the end of the document must include all the documents you have used.
Add references to illustrations
When using photos, illustrations, graphics or any other visual element that
does not belong to you, you must add a reference. That is, you must indicate the source of the document you are using, indicating it below the element in question or using a footnote.
Paraphrase the concepts
When using a quote, you can easily rephrase it to fit your work better and more fully match your writing style. However, as with citations, you need to cite the source. The simplest thing then is to use a footnote. You can also use a very handy online paraphrasing tool which could make it easier for you to paraphrase the content.
Make references to the library
In every editorial work you will be asked to build a bibliography. In addition to demonstrating your integrity and respect for copyrights, a bibliography highlights the scientific nature of your work, also allowing readers to identify and find your sources easily.
