This is a presentation that is based on a survey of 6 teachers (three English and three ESL).

1. Understanding &
Avoiding Plagiarism
ESOL 51
Fall 2007
Adapted from www.plagiarism.org

2. What is plagiarism?
►Stealing someone’s words or ideas.
►Pretending that someone’s words or ideas
are your own.
►Using someone’s words or ideas without
giving credit.
►Incorrectly using quotations & paraphrases.
►In other words, plagiarism is an act of
fraud. It involves both stealing someone
else's work and lying about it afterward.

3. Question for Discussion
►What are the consequences for cheating
and/or plagiarism in your native country or
previous school?

4. Consequences of Plagiarism
►Read p. 106-108 of your student handbook
& planner to understand more about how
plagiarism and academic dishonesty is
handled at MCTC.
►Consequences range from a warning to
expulsion from the college.

5. What happens if I suspect you of
plagiarism?
►I will ask you to come to my office visit to
discuss why I suspect plagiarism.
►If I determine you have not plagiarized, I
will help you clarify your writing and explain
how to avoid plagiarism in the future.
►If I determine that you have plagiarized, I
will submit a report to Judicial Affairs and
you will receive a zero on the assignment.

6. The second time you plagiarize:
►I will submit a second report to Judicial
Affairs. The Judicial Affairs committee and
the dean will review the report and take
appropriate action. This could include
probation or suspension from the college.
►You will automatically receive a NC (No
Credit) in this course.

7. How to Avoid Plagiarism
►Talk to your teacher.
►Be honest. If you use outside sources, tell
your reader where you got your information.
►Be careful. Sometimes plagiarism is
unintentional.
►Know how to paraphrase and quote correctly.
►When in doubt, cite your source.

8. Citing Sources
►In college writing classes, you will write
research papers that use outside sources.
►When you use an outside source, it is your
responsibility to tell the reader where the
information is from.
►A citation gives the reader information
about the outside source. You must provide
enough information so the reader can find
the source on his own.

9. Example of a Citation
Raimes, A. Grammar Troublespots: A Guide
for Student Writers. 3rd Edition. Cambridge
University Press. 2004

10. Quotations & Paraphrases
►A quotation is when you use the author’s
exact words. Put the exact words in
quotation marks.
►A paraphrase is when you use YOUR words
to summarize what the author said.