Before we begin the online tutorial from Acadia University, let's review a few facts about plagiarism. 

What is Plagiarism?

Let's begin with a definition of plagiarism so we all agree on what it means.

According to Princeton University, plagiarism is:

"A piece of writing that has been copied from someone else and is presented as being your own work...taking someone's words or ideas as if they were your own." (Princeton)

Anytime you use someone else's ideas or words, you must acknowledge the source. If you do not properly credit a source, it is considered plagiarism.  If you quote a passage directly, you must use quotation marks and cite the source.  If you use someone's ideas, you must paraphrase the idea in your own words and cite the source.

Quick Vocabulary Check:  The word paraphrase means to rewrite a sentence in your own words.  It is not enough to simply change a few words.  The sentence must be completely rewritten in your own words.

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