Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work (ideas, writing, art, music, etc.) without giving them proper credit and presenting it as your own. This can include:
* Copying text directly from a source without using quotation marks or citing the source.
* Paraphrasing someone else's work without giving credit.
* Using someone else's ideas without acknowledging their source.
* Submitting someone else's work as your own.
Consequences of plagiarism:
* Academic penalties: Failing grades, suspension, expulsion.
* Professional repercussions: Loss of credibility, damaged reputation, job loss.
* Legal issues: Copyright infringement lawsuits.
Avoiding plagiarism:
* Cite all sources properly.
* Use quotation marks when quoting directly from a source.
* Paraphrase accurately and cite your sources.
* Get help if you are unsure about how to cite your sources.
Plagiarism is a serious academic and professional offense, and it's important to understand and avoid it.