What is Plagiarism?
The difference between paraphrasing and plagiarism can be tricky—but it's critical that you understand it. Examine Walden University's official policy and working definition, along with examples of problems related to academic integrity.

 

Writing the Literature
This Powerpoint slide show demonstrates the difference between plagiarizing and paraphrasing. It offers many examples of texts similar to ones you'll encounter, with plagiarized versions of the text and artfully done paraphrases. As a special bonus, you'll learn how to use the right verb tense when you're writing the literature. (Best viewed with Internet Explorer.)

 

Paraphrasing Exercise
This self-guided module is built around the story of the Three Little Pigs and gives you practice at paraphrasing, comparing, contrasting, and interpreting several texts.

 

How to Interpret Turnitin Reports

Turnitin reports can be both intimidating and confusing at first--this document by Walden Writing Staff can help sort out what the components in the reports actually mean.

 

Want more information about plagiarism? Sign up for the Skills for Academic Integrity course.

 

Links to Additional Resources

 

The Plagiarism Test at IU
This self-assessment from Indiana University is a great way to test your skill at identifying plagiarism. (Bonus points if you can spot the nit-picky APA errors.)

 

Avoiding Plagiarism
Purdue University's plagiarism page offers excellent advice on avoiding plagiarism.

 

Georgetown University's What Is Plagiarism Pages
These helpful pages provide answers to such questions as, "What is a paraphrase?" and, "Isn't it good enough as long as I provide a citation?" You'll also find great excuses, such as, "I didn't have time to do it right."

 

York University's Definition of Plagiarism

For those who like clean-cut, bulleted lists without frills, this site is for you. This covers the basic definition and impact of plagiarism, and it also explains steps professors use to sniff out when students have used other's work as their own.

 

University of Alberta Libraries Handouts
This Canadian site has printable .pdf documents that provide excellent help with deciding what's common knowledge and what needs a citation, paraphrasing--alas, in MLA style--and information on evaluating Internet sources. Caution: The Writing and Research Tips