The document discusses paraphrasing vs plagiarism, with paraphrasing defined as restating essential ideas from a source in one's own words. Plagiarism is presenting another's words as one's own. Plagiarism has serious consequences like failing grades or expulsion. The document provides tips to avoid plagiarism such as putting all text in one's own words, citing sources, and using summarization techniques.

1. Paraphrasing vs. Plagiarism
Language Arts

2. Paraphrasing is…
• Your own sentences in your own words of
the essential information and ideas
expressed by someone else, presented in a
new form.
• One way to borrow from a source (when
quoting).
• A detailed restatement, not a summary,
which focuses on one main idea.

3. Paraphrasing is a valuable skill…
• It is better than quoting.
• It helps you control the temptation to quote
too much.
• The mental process required helps you
grasp the full meaning of the original quote.

4. Plagiarism
• What is plagiarism?
– When you take the words of an author and
present them as your own in an essay or research
paper.
• Why is plagiarism a problem?
– It does not show what the student is able to do or
if the student has gained the information that was
needed during the research.

5. Consequences of Plagiarism
• In some cases if a student plagiarizes an essay
or research paper, students will obtain a ZERO
on their paper.
• Plagiarism is also punishable by the school
and administration.
• In college, plagiarism is punishable by being
kicked out of school.

6. Tips to Prevent Plagiarism
• Put every thing in your own words. Don’t just
change a couple words in the quote and still claim
it as your own work.
• Use summarizing and outlining techniques to
help prevent plagiarism.
• If you ever use information that is not yours make
sure you cite the source where you got the
information.
• Teachers who are experienced in working with
student writing usually have a sense of when the
writing does not belong to a student.