Commentary on the Plagiarism Example

• Details in format vary by discipline, course, instructor, and assignment.
• All formats require use of quotation marks when exact words are used.
• All formats require indication of where each idea or wording came from.
• Instructors typically want students to write their ideas in their own words.
  • Must not just change a few words or phrases
  • Must rethink your approach
  • Must cite where ideas came from, even if you use your own words.
• If entire assignment consists of sequence of snippets:
  • if cited (any reasonable format), no academic dishonesty, but may get low grade.
  • if not cited, academic dishonesty, subject to severe actions beyond low grade!

Every year, cases involving the sloppy use of snippets arise in hearings before the Subcommittee on Academic Honesty.

created 19 August 2013 last revised 20 August 2013

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