Western Libraries

Geology/Geophysics 9580/9680 Library Tutorial and Project Support

E-book Titles on Technical Writing

Avoid Plagiarism

Academic Integrity

"A commitment, even in the face of adversity, to six fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. From these values flow principles of behavior that enable academic communities to translate ideals to action" (ICAI, The Fundamental Values of Academic Integrity, 2013).

The Office of the Ombudsperson provides a information and resources related to academic integrity.

What is Plagiarism?

"The action or practice of taking someone else's work, idea, etc., and passing it off as one's own; literary theft" (Oxford English Dictionary Online).

How to Avoid Plagiarism?

Cite the reference sources you use in your assignment or essay.

Direct quotations: if using the exact words of a source, use quotation marks and cite the information.

Paraphrase: if using your own words to describe someone else's idea, do not use quotation marks, but still cite the information.

Watch the library tutorial: Paraphrasing.