Factors that influence consequences:
* Level of plagiarism: A single sentence copied without attribution is less serious than an entire paper.
* Student's intent: Was it truly unintentional, or were there steps the student could have taken to avoid it?
* Institutional policies: Each school has different policies on plagiarism. Some may be more lenient than others.
* Instructor's discretion: The instructor has the final say on how to handle plagiarism, even unintentional.
Possible consequences:
* Lower grade: The instructor might reduce the grade on the assignment.
* Requirement to rewrite the assignment: The student might be asked to rewrite the assignment correctly.
* Meeting with the instructor: The instructor might discuss the issue with the student to understand the situation better.
* Referral to academic integrity office: In more serious cases, the student might be referred to a department that handles academic misconduct.
How to avoid unintentional plagiarism:
* Understand plagiarism: Know what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it.
* Use proper citation: Always cite sources, even if they are not direct quotes.
* Paraphrase effectively: Don't just change a few words; rewrite the information in your own words.
* Proofread carefully: Check your work for any potential instances of plagiarism.
In summary: While unintentional plagiarism is less serious than intentional, it's still a serious offense. It's important to understand the risks and take steps to avoid it. If you are unsure about anything, always consult with your instructor or academic advisor.