Avoiding plagiarism

With a wealth of resources at our fingertips online it is easy for learners to access the information needed for assignments. Unfortunately, this can lead to plagiarism whereby learners copy and paste the work of others. It is essential that you use your research effectively and interpret what you have read into your own words. This shows that you have understood what you have read. Plagiarism will be picked up on when your work is marked resulting in a resubmission.

Tips for avoiding plagiarism

When carrying out research:

• Make notes of key points.
• If you find a quote you want to use, note the source.
• Use a range of different research sources.
• Don’t use essay websites

When you have gathered sufficient notes:

• Use your notes when completing your assignment. Don’t look back at your research sources.
• Use your research as evidence for arguments or points you wish to make.
• Link your research to your own practice
• Reference any direct quotes used
• Only use short quotes e.g. one sentence
• Reference your work and provide a bibliography