Using Sources in your Work:
A Tutorial on Avoiding Plagiarism
GRADE 9
NOTE:
To move through this tutorial, use the mouse to
click on the arrow at the bottom right of your
screen.
Agenda for Tutorial
• Read three sample situations. Determine if the student
was ethical in his or her use of a source.
• Learn more about how to avoid plagiarism.
• Take a quiz to verify your understanding.
• Pledge that you will not plagiarize.
Let’s look at some
hypothetical situations.
For each, identify if the student used his or
her sources acceptably.
Jack’s Situation
Jack has an English paper due tomorrow. He read the
book and paid attention during class, but he has no
idea what to write about.
Jack logs onto the Internet “just to get some ideas
about topics for his paper.”
He finds a great idea and begins writing his paper using
the topic he found. He is very careful to avoid
copying any text or words from the Internet article he
found.
Is this plagiarism?
Yes
No
You must choose from the blue buttons at
the bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose one of
the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide
You said…
Jack did plagiarize.
You are right. Jack’s actions constitute plagiarism.
• Jack is committing plagiarism by taking the ideas of the source without citing
them in the paper.
• Even though he put the ideas in his own words, Jack is stealing the intellectual
property of the source.
You said…
Jack did not plagiarize.
You are wrong. Jack’s actions constitute plagiarism.
• Jack is committing plagiarism by taking the ideas of the source without citing
them in the paper.
• Even though he put the ideas in his own words, Jack is stealing the intellectual
property of the source. You are wrong. Jack’s actions constitute plagiarism.
• He could avoid plagiarism if he cites the source of the ideas in his paper.
Jill’s Situation
During history class, Jill is asked to find some
background on Fidel Castro’s rise to power.
Jill does a Google search and arrives at Wikipedia’s
article on Fidel Castro. Without using quotation
marks, Jill cuts and pastes several sentences from
Wikipedia into her assignment.
Is this plagiarism?
Yes
No
You must choose from the blue buttons at
the bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose one of
the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide
You said…
Jill did plagiarize.
You are right. Jill’s actions constitute plagiarism.
• By taking the words from the Wikipedia article, Jill is committing plagiarism.
• She can avoid plagiarizing if she quotes the article in her assignment and
includes an entry describing the source in a bibliography at the end of her
paper.
You said…
Jill did not plagiarize.
You are wrong. Jill’s actions constitute plagiarism.
• By taking the words from the Wikipedia article, Jill is committing plagiarism.
• She can avoid plagiarizing if she quotes the article in her assignment and
includes an entry describing the source in a bibliography at the end of her
paper.
Gretel’s Situation
Gretel is a freshman who feels overwhelmed by the
high school. When her science teacher assigns a
short worksheet on genetics, Gretel is confused and
frustrated.
During lunch, Gretel “borrows” her friend’s paper and
copies the answers onto her own paper.
Is this plagiarism?
Yes
No
You must choose from the blue buttons at
the bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose one of
the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide
You said…
Gretel did plagiarize.
You are right. Gretel’s actions constitute plagiarism.
• Even if Gretel’s friend gave permission for Gretel to copy her work, it is still
plagiarism.
• Gretel is guilty of plagiarism. She tried to take credit for the words and ideas
of another person.
You said…
Gretel did not plagiarize.
You are wrong. Gretel’s actions constitute plagiarism.
• Even if Gretel’s friend gave permission for Gretel to copy her work, it is still
plagiarism.
• Gretel tried to take credit for the words and ideas of another person.
Think you’ve got it?
Read the following…
(and remember, there will be a short quiz on this material!)
There are two acceptable ways
to use sources:
• Direct Quotation
• Paraphrase
• Includes summarizing and referencing the works of others
within your paper or project
There are two acceptable ways
to use sources:
Direct Quotation
• What it is:
• The exact words of an author used word for word in your paper
or project.
• When to use it:
• The exact phrasing of the source suits your needs.
• You want to use the source’s exact words—even just a particular
apt or unusual phrase.
• How to use it:
• Copy the exact words of the source, putting those words inside
quotation marks.
• Put a citation at the end of the quotation indicating the page
number.
• At the end of your paper, include a bibliographic entry on a page
that lists your references.
There are two acceptable ways
toParaphrase
use sources:
• What it is:
• Using your own words to restate the source’s idea. This could be a summary of
the source’s point, a brief mention of the source’s findings, or a longer
restatement of the source’s idea.
• Use paraphrase when:
• The exact phrasing of the source is too technical, too wordy, etc.
• You want to present the source’s idea in a more compact, focused way
• How to use it:
• Before the paraphrase, introduce the source. This will show where the
paraphrase begins.
• Use your own words to restate the meaning of the source. This means you
change words, structure, and syntax. You do not merely substitute synonyms for
the source’s original phrasing.
• Put a citation at the end of the quotation indicating the page number or source.
• Include a bibliographic entry on a reference page at
the end of your paper or project.
Testing your understanding…
Can you tell the difference between a direct quotation and a
paraphrase?
Click on the correct answer for each of the following samples.
Direct Quotation vs. Paraphrase
Model #1
In his book on Google’s business strategy, John Battelle
states, “…Google had more than its finger on the pulse
of our culture, it was directly jacked into the culture’s
nervous system” (2).
This is an example of
DIRECT QUOTATION
This is an example of
PARAPHRASE
You must choose from the buttons at the
bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose one of
the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide
Paraphrase
Sorry, no. You are incorrect.
The student did not paraphrase--she used a direct quotation. The
quotation marks give it away:
In his book on Google’s business strategy, John Battelle states: “…Google had more
than its finger on the pulse of our culture, it was directly jacked into the culture’s
nervous system” (2).
Direct Quotation
• Easy, right? If you see quotation marks, it is a direct quotation.
• Any time you use the exact words of a source, you must surround
them in quotation marks and indicate the source.
Direct Quotation vs. Paraphrase
Model #2
Battelle’s argument is based on a memo written by
Google CEO Eric Schmidt. The memo reveals that
Google was focusing its attention on corporate
marketing budgets (153).
This is an example of
DIRECT QUOTATION
This is an example of
PARAPHRASE
You must choose from the green buttons at
the bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose one of
the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide
Paraphrase
Good job! Sample #2 was a paraphrase.
Anytime a student rewrites a source’s idea into his or her own words,
the user must give the source credit. This is paraphrasing.
Direct Quotation
No. Read it again:
Battelle’s argument is based on a memo written by Google CEO Eric Schmidt. The memo reveals
that Google was focusing its attention on corporate marketing budgets (153).
That example is a paraphrase.
You should know because the student did not include quotation marks;
she rephrased the original into her own written style; and she cited the
source.
Direct Quotation vs. Paraphrase
Model #3
As he explains the importance of choosing the best
searchable keywords to allow others to find a website,
Battelle presents a comparison to the Greek story of
The Odyssey, “Is [being known to a wide audience] not
what every person longs for—what Odysseus chose
over Kalypso’s nameless immortality—to die, but to be
known forever?” (284).
This is an example of
DIRECT QUOTATION
This is an example of
PARAPHRASE
You must choose from the green buttons at
the bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose one of
the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide
Paraphrase
• You are incorrect. The example was a direct
quotation. Look at it again:
In explaining the importance of searchable functions, Battelle
reveals his insight into the heart of mankind, “Is that not what
every person longs for—what Odysseus chose over Kalypso’s
nameless immortality—to die, but to be known forever?” (284).
• The student included quotation marks, indicating
that he used the exact words of the original source.
Therefore, it is a direct quotation.
Direct Quotation
• Correct!
• The use of the exact words of the source makes it a direct quotation.
• The student shows readers that it is a direct quotation by using
quotation marks.
• Additionally, he provides information to help the reader identify the
source.
So, you know the difference
between a direct quotation and a
paraphrase…
Now what?
Definition of Plagiarism
• Plagiarism is:
• To steal the words or ideas of another person
• To pass off the words or ideas of another person as one’s
own
• Further:
• It does not matter whether the theft of words or ideas is
intentional or accidental.
• Either way, it is plagiarism.
Why should you bother?
Four good reasons for citing sources in your work:
• Citing reliable information gives credibility to your work.
• Cheating is unethical behavior.
• It is only fair to give credit to the source—otherwise, you
are stealing the source’s ideas.
• The consequences are severe—plagiarism is not worth the
risk.
You probably have two questions:
(1) What do I need to cite?
(2) How do I cite?
Read on for the answers…
So—the rule is:
If you created it,
you do not need to
cite the source.
If you did not create
the content, you
must cite the source.
The one exception to that
rule is for “common
knowledge.”
You do not need to cite the
source of an unoriginal piece
of information IF:
(1) an educated person
should know the information,
OR
(2) it is a provable fact that
could be found in a general
encyclopedia.
So, you don’t need to cite a fact,
but you must cite the source of opinions and
ideas that are not your own.
And, you must cite any time you use the exact
words of the source—even if the words are
presenting common knowledge.
So, you don’t need to cite a fact,
for example: Ayn Rand wrote Anthem.
OR
Ayn Rand was born in 1905.
but you must cite the source of opinions and
ideas that are not your own.
for example: Dorothy Gale believed that Anthem is an inspiring story (75).
OR
According to Joe Smith, Equality 7-2521 represents the human spirit (15).
And, you must cite any time you use the exact
words of the source—even if the words are
presenting common knowledge.
You must always cite the source of ANY direct quotation.
So, let’s check to see that you understand
when you need to cite the source and
when you don’t…
Answer the following questions and choose
the correct answer.
Test Case #1
Jack isn’t sure if he needs to cite the source of the information
below. He found the fact online.
“Abraham Lincoln was our 16th president.”
What do you think? What should Jack do? Pick one of the answers
below.
Cite the source.
This means he will:
(1) Either:
a) Surround with quotation marks, or
b) Put the quotation into his own words,
changing the syntax, structure,
& organization
(2) Include a lead-in giving the source’s name,
(3) Give the page number, and
(4) List the source in a bibliography
Do not cite the
source.
This means that the information is a
commonly reported fact. It is generally
known and available from many sources.
(1) Jack should verify the information in at
least two sources, then
(2) Jack will write the well-known
information in his own words.
You must choose from the buttons at the
bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose one of
the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide
You are incorrect.
In this case,
citation is not necessary.
• Jack does not need to cite the source of quote the
information because it is general knowledge.
• Because Abraham Lincoln’s status as the 16th
President of the US is a fact that is verifiable in many
places, Jack can use the information without citation.
You are correct!
Jack does not need to cite this information.
• Jack does not need to cite the source of quote the
information because it is general knowledge.
• Because Abraham Lincoln’s status as the 16th
President of the US is a fact that is verifiable in many
places, Jack can use the information without citation.
Test Case #2
In her paper on Affirmative Action, Jill found one source explaining that
Affirmative Action “evens the field of play by wreaking equity on all players.”
In her paper, Jill uses the phrase “wreaking equity” but she puts all the other parts
of the source into her own words.
What should Jill do? Pick one of the answers below.
Cite the source.
Not cite the source.
This means she will:
(1) Either:
a) Surround with quotation marks, or
b) Put the quotation into her own words,
changing the syntax, structure,
& organization
This means that the information is generally
known and available from multiple sources.
(2) Include a lead-in giving the source’s name,
(2) Jill will write the well-known
information in his own words.
(3) Give the page number, and
(4) List the source in a bibliography
(1) Jill should verify the information in at
least two sources, then
(3) Jill should make a bibliographic citation
for use on her Works Consulted page.
You must choose from the buttons at the
bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose one of
the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide
You are correct!
Jill must cite this information.
• Jill needs to cite the source of the paraphrase because
the idea belongs to the source.
• Further, because Jill uses the unique phrase
“wreaking equity,” she must include that phrase in
quotation marks, indicating that it is a direct
quotation from the source.
You are incorrect.
In this case, citation is necessary.
• Jill needs to cite the source of the paraphrase because
the idea belongs to the source.
• Further, because Jill uses the unique phrase
“wreaking equity,” she must include that phrase in
quotation marks, indicating that it is a direct
quotation from the source.
Test Case #3
Gretel found a very helpful article in an online database. She very
carefully made sure that she rewrote the content of the article using
her own personal style; she changed the author’s syntax and
organization so that it fit seamlessly into her paper.
What should Gretel do?
Cite the source.
Not cite the source.
This means she will:
(1) Either:
a) Surround with quotation marks, or
b) Put the quotation into his own words,
changing the syntax, structure,
& organization
This means that the information is generally
known and available from multiple sources.
(2) Include a lead-in giving the source’s name,
(2) Gretel will write the well-known
information in his own words.
(3) Give the page number, and
(4) List the source in a bibliography
(1) Gretel should verify the information in at
least two sources, then
(3) Gretel must include a bibliographic citation
on her Works Consulted page.
You must choose from the buttons at the
bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose one of
the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide
You are correct.
In this case, citation is required.
• Gretel paraphrases the source’s idea and content.
She must give credit to the source.
• She must provide her audience with the source of the
idea that she borrowed.
You are incorrect!
Gretel must cite the source of this
information, even though she put it
in her own words.
• Gretel paraphrases the ideas of the source, so she
must cite the identity of the source.
• Gretel must provide her audience with the source of
the material that she borrowed.
So, you can identify what must
have a citation…
Now you need to know
how to use and cite a source!
How to Cite a Source
• It’s easy. Just provide your audience with the source of
any ideas or words that are not your own.
• First, carefully mark the beginning and end of the source’s
words or ideas.
• Then, provide a bibliography to show where the borrowed
material originated.
• In fact, listing your sources shows your audience that
you are an informed, well researched writer!
How to Cite Direct Quotations
• Provide a bibliographic entry to show where the borrowed
material originated.
• Park, Beth L. Understanding Ayn Rand’s Anthem. Lebo University Press:
Pittsburgh, 2008.
• Carefully mark the beginning and end of the source’s words or
idea.
• Use a signal phrase to introduce the source.
• Use quotation marks to surround the words of the source.
• Provide the page number (or another citation) after the closing quotation
marks.
EXAMPLE:
According to literary critic Beth L. Parks, Equality 7-2521 finds peace
through “his search for the height of his own potential” (24).
How to Cite Paraphrases
• Provide a bibliographic entry to show where the borrowed material originated.
• Park, Beth L. Understanding Ayn Rand’s Anthem. Lebo University Press: Pittsburgh,
2008.
• Carefully mark the beginning and end of the source’s words or idea.
• Use a signal phrase to introduce the source
• Put the source’s original words into your own words:
• It isn’t just about using synonyms to replace words.
• You must change the syntax, sentence structure, and organization of the original.
• If you find yourself just changing a word here or there, ask yourself if a direct quotation
would work. If it would work, then use a direct quotation.
• Provide the page number (or another citation) after the closing quotation marks.
EXAMPLE:
According to literary critic Beth L. Parks, Equality 7-2521 separates himself from the
society by striving to improve
the world around him (24).
It can be said in a bunch of different ways…
It can be said in a bunch of different ways…
It can be said in a bunch of different ways…
It can be said in a bunch of different ways…
Enclose the
borrowed
It can be said in a bunch of different ways…
Enclose the
borrowed
It can be said in a bunch of different ways…
Enclose the
borrowed
It can be said in a bunch of different ways…
But, they all mean the same thing…
Provide a clear indication
of any words or ideas
that are not your own.
Enclose the
borrowed
Final Directions:
• Your teacher has a short written quiz for you to take on the subject of
plagiarism.
• At the end of the quiz is an honor code statement. You will sign it in
order to verify that you have received this training.
• You will then have your parent sign the honor code.
• Your English teacher will collect these signed forms.
Sources Cited
Harris, Robert A. The Plagiarism Handbook: Strategies for Preventing,
Detecting, and Dealing with Plagiarism. Pyrczak Publishing: Los
Angeles, 2001.
Works Consulted
DeSena, Laura Hennessey. Preventing Plagiarism: Tips and
Techniques. National Council of Teachers of English: Urbana,
IL, 2007.
Valenza, Joyce Kasman. “What is Plagiarism? (And Why You
Should Care).” Springfield High School Media Center
Information Literacy Lessons. Springfield School District.
End of presentation.
• If you have questions or suggestions, please see your teacher or email Ms. Kramer (mkramer@mtlsd.net) or Mrs. Miller
(shmiller@mtlsd.net), the creators of this presentation.