Avoiding Plagiarism: Teaching Materials

Read the question and click the word 'select' beside the answer you think is correct.  A response will drop down telling you if you're right or wrong, and explaining why. This quiz is based on the one by NorQuest College Library

1. When you use the exact words from a source, like a quotation,  you need to...:
    
   1. Only put it in quotation marks. [select]
      Wrong. While it is correct to put an exact quote in quotation marks, you still need to tell the reader where you got the information.  Adding a citation to the original work (in text or in a footnote), along with a full citation in the bibliography will avoid plagiarism.  Using a standard citation method, like the ones available on the library citation guide will let you know when and how to include citations.  [hide answer]
      
       
   2. Nothing; It's fine as it is. [select]
      Wrong. This would be taking the work from another person without giving any credit, which is plagiarism.  For exact quotes you need to show that the words are not your own, along with where they came from.  The correct way to provide an exact quote is put quotation marks around the words that are not your own, and use correct citations.  Using a standard citation method, like the ones available on the library citation guide will let you know when and how to include citations. [hide answer]
      
       
   3. Put it in quotations and briefly mention the source. [select]
      Wrong. It is important that when you mention the source it is done in the correct way.  Mentioning the author in passing will still leave the reader wondering what the exact source is.  Using a standard citation method, like the ones available on the library citation guide will let you know when and how to include citations. [hide answer]
      
       
   4. Put the quote in quotations, and use proper citations. [select]
      Correct!  When quoting exactly from a source you need to put the quote in quotation marks to indicate that the words are another person's.  Using proper citations will tell the reader where you got the quote.  Proper citations will include a citation in the body of the paper, along with the bibliography.  Using a standard citation method, like the ones available on the library citation guide will let you know when and how to include citations.  This gives credit where it is due and avoids plagiarism. [hide answer]
      
       
2. Even when using your own words and thoughts plagiarism is still possible as 'Self Plagiarism'.  Please select the example that is NOT plagiarism from below:
   Self Plagiarism is when a person uses their own older work and presents it as new.  This can include using an entire paper, or portions of previous works without acknowledging the origins. [close definition]
   
    
   1. Taking a paper that you wrote in a previous course and presenting it unchanged as a new work in a different course. [select]
      Wrong. This is still considered to be a form of plagiarism. It is just as important to be honest in where a work originally came from as it is to properly cite sources. It might be ok to rework writing you have already completed, it is not OK to turn it in to another course without substantial and noticable changes to the content.  If you would like to revisit a paper you have already written, check with your instructor.;[hide answer]
      
       
   2. Use portions of your own previous work in a new paper, without acknowledging it as your own earlier work. [select]
      Wrong. Just like it is not OK to turn in a complete older work as new, it is also not ok to present portions of your work as new.  Make sure to properly reference the older work if you are going to use it mostly unchanged.  Another way to avoid this is problem is to use the orriginal sources and add new thoughts, along with proper citations.  If you would like to revisit a paper you have already written, check with your instructor. [hide answer]
      
       
   3. Using small parts of your own earlier work, along with new ideas and resources. Citations are used to acknowledge both your own and other people's ideas. [select]
      Correct! It is OK to use some of your old work as a starting point on a new project. It is very important that the work is acknowledged as your own by using proper citations and references. It is equally important that new ideas, new sources of information, and a new approach to the topic are used to avoid plagiarism.  If you would like to revisit a paper you have already written, check with your instructor.  [hide answer]
      
       
   4. Taking your own older work to use in another course, changing some parts of it but leaving the general tone and message of the paper unchanged. [select]
      Wrong, this counts as self-plagiarism.  By changing only a few parts in this way the paper is basically the same as the original.  You must contribute new ideas, thoughts, and sources to an existing paper to use it as a new work. Even after changes are made you also need to acknowledge your previous work in citations.  If you would like to revisit a paper you have already written, check with your instructor.  The correct answer is 3.  [hide answer]
      
       
3. What needs to be done to avoid plagiarism when a source is paraphrased ?
   Paraphrasing means to take the ideas of an author and express them in your own words to clarify their importance or meaning to your topic. [close definition]
   
    
   1. Mention the original source and leave the words largely unchanged. [select]
      Wrong.  It is important to change the words and tone from the original source when you paraphrase.  This helps to better fit the idea to the arguments you make in your paper. Even when you change the words make sure to use proper citations, which gives the author their credit and avoids academic misconduct. [hide answer]
      
       
   2. Change a few key words from the original source, keeping the overall tone and intent the same. [select]
      Wrong.  This is still plagiarism since you would be taking credit for words that are not your own.  The correct way to paraphrase is to use entirely your own wording, while keeping the general ideas from the original.  This helps to better fit the idea to the arguments you make in your paper. Even when you change the words make sure to use proper citations, which gives the author their credit and avoids academic misconduct. [hide answer]
      
       
   3. Change the words and style of the original source, while still conveying the overall meaning. Include a proper citation to the original source. [select]
      Correct! Paraphrasing this way will tailor the idea from the original source to better fit your own topic and arguments.  Correct paraphrasing means that you use your own words and tone, instead of the original authors, to communicate the same idea.  Using proper citations gives the author credit for the idea, and tells the reader where it came from.  Good work! [hide answer]
      
       
   4. Use the exact words in the original source and include a proper citation. [select]
      Wrong. Paraphrasing means that you take the ideas of another author, and use your own words to explain to the reader why that idea is important to your topic.  Try to think of how you might explain that idea or quote to a friend, and word it that way in your own paper. Still include the citation, to give credit to the original source.  The correct answer is number 3.  [hide answer]
      
       
4. A student writes a paper with proper citations, but a majority of the paper is based on one source.  Why could this be considered plagiarism?
    
   1. Because a paper should include original thought and new ideas about a topic. [select]
      Wrong, the answer is 4: all of the above.  This is an important part of why it is considered plagiarism.  An original piece of writing should include your own thoughts, ideas, and opinions on a topic.  When writing, it is important to use multiple sources, think about what each of them offers on your topic, and form your own ideas and opinions to present.  Please look at answers 2 and 3 for more reasons why this is considered plagiarism.  [hide answer]
      
       
   2. Because using only one source for the main parts of a paper is essentially copying the work of another person. [select]
      Wrong.  This is a part of why it is considered plagiarism.  When a person uses only one source for their work it tends to have the same tone and intent as the original. [hide answer]
      
       
   3. Because it could rely too closely on the original work's wording and structure. [select]
       Wrong. This is one important part of why this case could be considered plagiarism.  If only one work is used when writing a paper the wording and structure used to describe ideas and facts is likely to be very similar to the original.  When writing a paper it is very important to use your own language to describe the content of your work.  Copying the structure of an argument, or wording of phrases too heavily from one source is considered plagiarism.  [hide answer]
      
       
   4. All of the above. [select]
      Correct. Each of the examples above is one way this could be considered plagiarism.  Please look at each answer to see a detailed explaination why.  The main thing to remember is that a work of writing should be your own unique combination of facts and ideas from many different sources.  It is important to take the time and combine thoughts from many people to make your own new work. [hide answer]
      
       
5. Which of the following examples is NOT considered Common Knowledge?
   Common Knowledge includes information that is widely known, and easily verifiable by a number of sources.  It also includes common sayings and proverbs, Places and events, and historical dates.  [close definition]
   
    
   1. 1. The capital city of Canada is Ottawa. [select]
         Wrong. The capital of Canada is a notable and historic location, and therefore common knowledge.  Other places that could be considered common knowledge are famous landmarks, capital cities, and buildings.  The basic fact of Ottawa being a capital city is common knowledge, but a statement about the specific topics in Ottawa would not be.  For instance, saying "The political climate of Ottawa in the 1980's was tense" is not common knowledge, and would need to include a citation. [hide answer]
         
          
      2. World War One ended in 1918. [select]
         Wrong. The end date of World War One is widely considered to be a notable event, and the date is largely agreed upon.  Other dates that are considered common knowledge include a historical person's birthday or the date of a historical event.  A date that WOULD have to be cited is anything not widely known.  For instance the date that the first hospital opened in Edmonton would not be commonly known, and would need a citation. [hide answer]
         
          
      3. A penny saved is a penny earned. [select]
         Wrong. This is considered a commonly known proverb, and would not need to be cited.  A saying would need to be cited if it is attributed to a single person, and not commonly known. [hide answer]
         
          
      4. Moose were successfully introduced on Newfoundland in 1878 and 1904. [select]
         Correct. This information would not be considered common knowledge because most people do not know about moose conservation history.  Any information included in your paper that is not like the examples of common knowledge included above must be properly cited, and included in the bibliography.  If you are unsure if something is common knowledge, the safe thing to do is cite it anyway and ask your instructor or a librarian. [hide answer]
         
          
6. What is the correct way to paraphrase from a source?
    
   1. Use some of the original authors phrases exactly, mixed with your own.  [select]
      Wrong. If you are still using the author's exact wording it is still considered  plagiarism.  Even if you use a citation a reader would not know that all of the words are not your own.  The correct way to paraphrase is to use the author's ideas or facts, but your own wording and tone to present them.  Always use a citation to show that it was not your original idea.  The correct answer is 3.  [hide answer]
      
       
   2. Use a thesaurus to change several of the words while keeping the structure and tone the same. [select]
      Wrong, this is considered plagiarism.  Even though some words are changed the bulk of the words are from another author.  Even if you use a citation a reader would not know what words are yours or not.  To avoid plagiarism you should change the structure enough to be your own unique wording. This will avoid plagiarism, and give you the opportunity to clarify why this idea is important to your topic.  [hide answer]
      
       
   3. Use your own words to communicate the ideas of the original author, and cite the source. [select]
      Correct. Paraphrasing is a way to communicate the content and ideas from a source in your own unique way.  This can help make it clear to a reader why that idea is important to your topic specifically.  It should always be your own words, not the original author's, that are used in your paper.  A correct citation gives credit to the original author, and tells the reader where an idea may have come from.  [hide answer]
      
       
7. You finish writing a paper and give it to a friend to look over and discuss.  Is this plagiarism?
    
   1. Yes, if anyone gives you advice it can be plagiarism. [select]
      Wrong.  Having another person look over what you have written is a great idea.  It can catch logical errors you may have over looked, edit the grammar, and give over all feedback on your work.  It is considered plagiarism if your friend changes your thesis, your evidence for your arguments, or wording for you.  Getting help from other people is great, but make sure that you are the one responsible for any changes made both to the content and wording of the work. [hide answer]
      
       
   2. It is fine to get a second opinion as long as the discussion is general, and any changes are made by you. [select]
      Correct.  Having another person look over what you have written is a great idea.  It can catch logical errors you may have over looked, edit the grammar, and give over all feedback on your work.  It is considered plagiarism if your friend changes your thesis, your evidence for your arguments, or wording for you.  Getting help from other people is great, but make sure that you are the one responsible for any changes made both to the content and wording of the work.. [hide answer]
      
       
8. What are steps you can take to avoid plagiarism?
    
   1. Use a standardized citation format like MLA or APA. [select]
      Good, but not enough. This is an extremely important part of avoiding plagiarism!  By using a standardized citation format the reader will know what information is used where in the paper, and where they could find it.  For more information look at the library citation guide. Please look at answers 2 and 3 for more ways to avoid plagiarism. [hide answer]
      
       
   2. Keep careful notes when researching on what sources information came from. [select]
      Good, but not enough. This is an extremely important part of avoiding plagiarism!  When you are researching to prepare to write a paper keeping careful notes about what information came from what source will make it easier to cite sources correctly.  If you cannot remember where a piece of information came from, you cannot use it in your paper.  When you go to put the information in your paper this will mean the citation information is already on hand, and you just have to format the citations correctly. Please refer to answers 1 and 3 for more ways to avoid plagiarism.   [hide answer]
      
       
   3. Take the time to synthesize the information from your sources, including your own voice and ideas, to create a new and unique work. [select]
      Good, but not enough. This is an extremely important part of avoiding plagiarism!  An original piece of writing needs to include your own personal arguments, ideas, and opinions on the topic.  It is great to look at a lot of sources for information on your topic, and to take parts of their arguments into consideration.  However, to be your own work you need to formulate your own opinions and arguments, and use your sources to support those ideas.  Please refer to answers 1 and 2 for more ways to avoid plagiarism. [hide answer]
      
       
   4. All of the above. [select]
      Correct. Each of the answers above plays a crucial role in avoiding plagiarism, please look at each question for the details why. . [hide answer]

Congratulations! You have finished the quiz.  If you have more questions about plagiarism look at the additional resources available in this guide.  For any specific questions you can always go to your instructor or a librarian for clarification.