How to Avoid Plagiarism Part 1
Writing a research paper is part of a student’s life. Most of the time, students are required a research paper as the final requirement. In writing, one has to write his own ideas while incorporating gathered facts and details from thorough research. But while doing this, a student comes across many questions. When does a student’s idea begin and where should the research be written? How can a student mix up these ideas into one coherent article? How can one arrange different gathered facts and cite them?
These and more questions can confuse a student. When these questions are not answered properly, plagiarism may take place. To answer these questions and avoid plagiarism, one can check the following list for reference.
• The first step to take in coming up with a paper is to plan the entire project. Before anything else, the student should have a clear idea of what he will be writing. This can be done through creating a summary and outline. A summary should be prepared so arguments can be smoothed out and an outline to know where necessary ideas be placed in the article. Moreover, by having a plan first, the ideas of the writer and other sources can be incorporated in one coherent and organized write up. This will even give the writer a chance to know what ideas will be incorporated in the paper and where to place it.
• After planning the entire article, the next step to ensure that a work is not plagiarized is by taking down notes. During research, a student should take note of the sources and statements that will be incorporated into the paper. By writing this information, one can cite sources properly. This will also organize everything before the writing begins. However, improper citation and misquotations can still be a ground for plagiarism. To avoid it, one should learn how to take down notes properly. This ensures that the citation can be done properly and when confusions come, one can go back to the references again.
• To avoid being accused of plagiarizing, a writer should cite sources when in doubt. When a student cannot identify which information is his own or from a source, the student should cite a reference. While writing, a student can come across his notes and confusion may come if the notes is his idea or not. To make sure that it is not plagiarized, it will be better to cite references. Though this may appear that the student does not have original ideas regarding the matter, it will even strengthen the argument of the paper since different ideas are being compiled to come up with a coherent idea while adding original thoughts.
• Lastly, to make sure that a student will have the right grasp about plagiarism, one should seek an instructor and ask questions regarding plagiarism. There are many sources that can answer different questions regarding this prohibited act. But when confusions come, the best source of clarification is the instructor. One can seek clarifications regarding the different forms of plagiarism. A real and credible person can answer questions that one cannot understand from other sources.
