How to Avoid Plagiarism
There are lots of ways to avoid plagiarism:
1. Citation -- You can properly attribute facts and quotations by using parenthetical citation in your essays. Check out the rules for MLA citation, which we use at MHS.
Note: The Purdue OWL website is a fabulous place to look for answers to your citation questions.
Note: Be careful when paraphrasing! It is not enough to simply replace a few of the author's words with your own. See our tips on how to paraphrase.
2. Citation continued -- In addition to citing quotations and facts within your paper, you also need to record the sources you use on a Works Cited page. The rules for setting up a Works Cited page are also on our MLA citation page. If you need help formatting, here are sites that can help:
3. When appropriate, use your own ideas and experiences. Your original arguments do not need to be cited, and neither do personal experiences!
4. Remember that you do not need to cite common knowledge, which includes facts likely to be found in basic reference sources on the topic, or facts likely to be known by most people. Remember, though: When in doubt, cite it out!
Example of common knowledge: George Washington was our nation's first president.
There are lots of ways to avoid plagiarism:
1. Citation -- You can properly attribute facts and quotations by using parenthetical citation in your essays. Check out the rules for MLA citation, which we use at MHS.
Note: The Purdue OWL website is a fabulous place to look for answers to your citation questions.
Note: Be careful when paraphrasing! It is not enough to simply replace a few of the author's words with your own. See our tips on how to paraphrase.
2. Citation continued -- In addition to citing quotations and facts within your paper, you also need to record the sources you use on a Works Cited page. The rules for setting up a Works Cited page are also on our MLA citation page. If you need help formatting, here are sites that can help:
3. When appropriate, use your own ideas and experiences. Your original arguments do not need to be cited, and neither do personal experiences!
4. Remember that you do not need to cite common knowledge, which includes facts likely to be found in basic reference sources on the topic, or facts likely to be known by most people. Remember, though: When in doubt, cite it out!
Example of common knowledge: George Washington was our nation's first president.