How to Avoid...

“You commit plagiarism in written work when you use another person’s words, ideas or opinions without acknowledging them as being from that other person” (University of Cape Town, 2005: 1).

While plagiarism is a serious offense, and can often result in academic probation or even expulsion from university, it is not always an intentional error. This handout highlights some of the common plagiarism infractions so that you can be sure to avoid them in your work.
Excerpt from Global Trade: Past Mistakes, Future Choices by Greg Buckman:
Britain lost much of its share of manufactured goods trade before the First World War; after the war the rest of Europe also lost out to other producers around the world. The United States emerged from the
First World War as a major new player in the trade of manufactured goods, increasing its share of global manufactures trade from 13 per cent in 1913 to 20 per cent in 1937.
(Buckman, 2005: 21)

Using Exact Text from an Outside Source without Quoting or Referencing
Plagiarised: The United States emerged from the First World War as a major new player in the trade of manufactured goods.
Acceptable: Buckman (2005: 21) has said that “[t]he United States emerged from the First World
War as a major new player in the trade of manufactured goods.”

Using Exact Text from an Outside Source without Quoting
Plagiarised: Buckman (2005: 21) has said that the United States emerged from the First World War as a major new player in the trade of manufactured goods.
Acceptable: Buckman (2005: 21) has said that “[t]he United States emerged from the First World
War as a major new player in the trade of manufactured goods.”

Quoting without a Reference
Plagiarised: Buckman has said that “[t]he United States emerged from the First World War as a major new player in the trade of manufactured goods.”
Acceptable: Buckman (2005: 21) has said that