Plagiarism Quiz: 24 Tricky Questions Most People Get Wrong
Plagiarism today is more than copy-and-paste. It includes subtle practices like patchwriting, self-recycling, misuse of AI, and incorrect citation. This quick, research-backed quiz helps you check what you really know and learn from instant explanations after each question. Use it in class, during academic integrity workshops, or as a self-test before submitting your paper. When you finish, share your score and challenge a colleague or your students. Ready to see whether you can separate ethical writing from plagiarism—every time?
Plagiarism Quiz: Can You Spot the Difference?
Test your knowledge of plagiarism concepts and citation practices
This quiz uses content adapted from CC-BY-SA Wikipedia articles. Mini-passages in questions 21-23 are adapted from Wikipedia.
What to Do After the Quiz
If you nailed it—great! If not, the sections below give you concise guidance you can apply immediately. Use them to review weak spots revealed by your results and to build good habits that prevent plagiarism before it happens.
Plagiarism Essentials
What is plagiarism?
Plagiarism is using someone else’s ideas or language without proper credit. It’s an ethical breach that can also intersect with legal issues (e.g., copyright). Correct attribution—via quotation, paraphrase, and citation—keeps your work transparent and trustworthy.
Common types you should recognize
- Copy-and-paste: reproducing text verbatim without quotation and citation.
- Patchwriting (mosaic): swapping words but keeping the source’s structure—still not a true paraphrase.
- Self-plagiarism: reusing your previously submitted/published text without disclosure or permission.
- Contract cheating / ghostwriting: submitting work done by someone else.
- AI misuse: presenting AI-generated text as original or failing to acknowledge tool use when your style guide requires it.
How to paraphrase well
Read the source, close it, and explain the idea in your own structure and wording—then cite the source. Changing a few words is not enough. When wording is distinctive or exact, quote it.
Further Reading & Practice
- How to Avoid Plagiarism: A Comprehensive Guide
- Detailed Guide for Citing ChatGPT
- When AI Help Becomes Academic Dishonesty
- The Integration of AI in Ghostwriting Practices
Ready to Double-Check Your Writing?
Keep the momentum going—scan your draft with our plagiarism checker and fix problems before you submit.
Quick FAQ
Is plagiarism the same as copyright infringement?
No. Plagiarism concerns credit and academic ethics; infringement is a legal issue. They sometimes overlap but are not identical.
Do I have to cite paraphrases?
Yes. If the idea came from a source, cite it—even when you use your own words.
Should I acknowledge AI tools?
Follow your style guide (e.g., APA/MLA) and institutional policy. When in doubt, be transparent about how you used AI.
Can AI detectors be wrong?
Yes. Treat detector results as one signal, not final proof. Good policies require human review and corroborating evidence.
