Here's a breakdown of what plagiarism entails:
* Using someone else's words without quotation marks: Copying and pasting text from a book, article, website, or any other source without putting it in quotation marks and citing the source.
* Paraphrasing someone else's ideas without proper attribution: Re-writing someone else's ideas in your own words without acknowledging the original source.
* Submitting someone else's work as your own: Turning in an assignment or project that you did not create yourself. This could include copying an entire paper or borrowing parts of a friend's work.
* Using someone else's images, music, or other creative works without permission: Using someone else's artwork, music, or other copyrighted material without obtaining permission from the creator.
Consequences of Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a serious academic and professional offense. Depending on the context, consequences can range from:
* Failing a grade: Plagiarism can result in a failing grade on an assignment or even a failing grade for the entire course.
* Suspension or expulsion: In some cases, plagiarism can lead to suspension or expulsion from school.
* Damage to reputation: Plagiarism can damage your reputation and make it difficult to get into college or find a job.
* Legal consequences: In some cases, plagiarism can have legal consequences, such as copyright infringement lawsuits.
To avoid plagiarism:
* Always cite your sources: Give credit to the original source whenever you use someone else's ideas or words.
* Use quotation marks: Use quotation marks around any text that you copy directly from a source.
* Paraphrase carefully: When paraphrasing, make sure to re-write the text in your own words and use your own sentence structure.
* Avoid submitting someone else's work: Always create your own original work.
Remember: It's important to be aware of the rules regarding plagiarism in your school or workplace. If you're unsure about whether something is plagiarism, it's always best to ask your teacher or professor for clarification.