To avoid plagiarizing:
Paraphrase: put the ideas from the text COMPLETELY into your own words. Even when paraphrasing you must still use in-text citations as well as including it in the works cited section.
Use quotation marks around text that has been taken directly from the original source.
Cite every source of information you use in your paper unless it is common knowledge (i.e. the sky is blue) or the results of your own research.
Think plagiarism is just an issue for college students writing research papers? Think again! Check out these real world examples of celebrities being accused of plagiarizing.
"Plagiarism is the use of reference sources without providing correct acknowledgements. When you use ideas or words created by another person and do not give proper credit, you are claiming the words or ideas are your own. In essence, you are stealing from the original writer."
It does not matter whether you intended to plagiarize or whether the plagiarism occurred unintentionally; it still constitutes academic dishonesty. Ignorance of the rules of correct citation is not an acceptable excuse.
Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty can subject a student to disciplinary action under the university Student Code of Conduct.