Be Truthful;Don’t Plagiarize

Episcopal Academy, 2006-07

Definitions of Plagiarism

“Three different acts are considered plagiarism:

1. Failing to cite quotations and borrowed ideas,

2. Failing to enclose borrowed language in quotations marks, and

3. Failing to put summaries and paraphrases in your own words” (Hacker 115).

Five Scenarios that Constitute Plagiarism

Essay Copying – NO!

“A student borrows a friend’s essay to get some ideas for his own paper. With his friend’s permission, he copies portions of it, taking care, however, to cite all the sources his friend included in the original” (Rampolla, 71)

Internet without Citing – NO!

“A student finds useful information on a Web site that is not under copyright. She downloads and incorporates sections of this Web site into her paper, but does not cite it since it is in the public domain” (Rampolla, 71).

Ideas not your own – NO!

“A student derives some key ideas for his paper from a book. Since he doesn’t quote anything directly from this book, he doesn’t provide any footnotes. He does, however, include the book in his bibliography” (Rampolla, 71)

Paraphrases – NO!

“A student modifies the original text by changing some words, leaving out an example and rearranging the order of the material. Since she is not using the exact words of the original, she does not include a footnote” (Rampolla, 71).

Copying Homework – NO!

If a student copies another student’s homework, this may also be an instance of plagiarism or simply academic dishonesty.

If you are ever in doubt about whether you can share homework, ask your teacher!

Dangers of “Common Knowledge”What constitutes “common knowledge” can be

debatable. Therefore, when in doubt, always cite a source for the information. Also, when you have any questions, ask your teacher.

Beware the Internet

Not all internet sources are reliable. Anything that is “for free” is probably not

reliable. Anything that is anonymous is probably not

reliable. Anything appearing in a commercial or

personal website is suspect.

Smart Internet Use

Use database sources through the Annenberg Library site

Ask a librarian for recommended sources Ask your teacher for recommended sources Ask a librarian or your teacher if a site is

reliable

How do you cite a source?

Refer to A Pocket Style Manual, 4th edition, pp. 113-154 for specifics on proper source citation. Copies of this book are on reserve in Annenberg Library.

See a librarian for help with using “Noodle Tools” for properly citing sources

Should you use outside sources? Do not turn to any other sources than your

text and your own ideas

UNLESS

You are writing a research paper

OR

Your teacher requires you to incorporate other sources P.S. Dictionaries are always good! As are literary

handbooks and dictionaries.

Academic Integrity

“Academic integrity is essential to any community. As part of our community’s expectations, we expect our students to be honest…A breach of academic integrity in fact violates [the] expectations” (Episcopal Academy Student Handbook, 13)

“Academic integrity requires that each student takes responsibility on each assignment for what represents his/her work and what has been borrowed from other sources. When a student hands in any assignment…the faculty assumes all work represents that of the student, except where appropriate citation or acknowledgement of help indicates otherwise” (Episcopal Academy Student Handbook, 13).

The EA Honor Statement

“On my honor, in my work I have neither given nor received unauthorized help” (Episcopal Academy Student Handbook, 13).

You should write and sign the Honor Statement on every test, quiz, and essay, even if your teacher does not specifically tell you to do so.

Major Disciplinary Offenses

“Being honest and having integrity are crucial qualities for every student. Any act that violates these qualities is considered a major disciplinary offense” (Episcopal Academy Student Handbook, 38).

When in Doubt, CITE!

When in Doubt, ASK YOUR TEACHER or a LIBRARIAN!

Sources

Hacker, Diana. A Pocket Style Manual. 4th ed. Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin/s. 2004

Rampolla, Mary Lynn. A Pocket Guide to Writing in History. 4th edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s. 2004.

Wagg, Geoff, ed. The Episcopal Academy Student Handbook. Merion, PA: Episcopal Academy, 2006.