PLAGIARISM
Originated from the Latin term “plagiarius” and was
introduced in 80AD by the Roman poet Martial (Ali,
Ismail, & Cheat, 2012; Bailey, 2019). In 1755, Samuel
What is Plagiarism? Johnson included plagiarism in his dictionary and
defined it officially. In the 17th century, the playwright
The denomination AD 80 for this year has been used since the Ben Jonson popularized the term ‘plagiarism’ to refer to
early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became literary theft.
the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.
After the digital advancements of the mid-70s reshaped
how it was practiced. Copying and pasting content has
become more convenient that lead to several forms of
plagiarism (Gottardello et al., 2017; Puengpipattrakul,
2016; Park, 2004). Previous research and modern
frameworks classify multiple forms of plagiarism, such
as paraphrasing, direct, complete, source-based,
inaccurate authorship, self/auto, accidental, and
mosaic/patchwork plagiarism (Enago Academy, 2022;
Maurer et al., 2006).
Plagiarism is the “wrongful appropriation” and “stealing” of
another author’s “language, thoughts, ideas, or
expressions” and the representation of them as one’s
own original work. Plagiarism is considered as an
academic dishonesty and a breach of journalistic ethics. It
is subject to sanctions like penalties, suspension, and
even expulsion.
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Ways to Avoid
Plagiarism
Avoiding plagiarism is essential to maintaining academic and professional integrity. Here are several
effective ways to avoid it:
❑ Properly Cite Sources
Use Citation Styles: Familiarize yourself with different citation styles such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or others as
required by your discipline. Always credit the original authors for their ideas, quotes, or data by citing them
in-text and in the reference list.
References: The reference list identifies all the books, articles, websites, or other sources you cited in your
paper.
Quote Directly: If you use a direct quote from a source, put the text in quotation marks and provide a citation,
including page numbers if applicable.
Paraphrase Carefully: Even when rewording someone else’s ideas, you still need to give credit. Ensure that
your paraphrase is not too similar to the original, and cite the source.
Summary: While summarizing the author's idea, focus on the author's message and only write the most
important points mentioned in the original text by the author. Never put your own opinion in the summary.
❑ Use Plagiarism Detection Tools
Check Your Work: Use plagiarism detection software (e.g., Turnitin, Grammarly, or Copyscape) to check your
writing for potential unintentional plagiarism before submitting your work.
Cross-Verify Citations: These tools can also help identify any missing or improperly formatted citations,
ensuring all references are accounted for.
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❑ Take Detailed Notes
Track Sources: When researching, take detailed notes that differentiate between your thoughts, direct quotes,
and paraphrased ideas from other sources.
Keep Citation Information: Always record full citation information (author, title, publication date, page
numbers, etc.) for every source you consult, making it easier to cite correctly.
❑ Paraphrase and Summarize Thoughtfully
Understand First: Ensure you thoroughly understand the material before paraphrasing or summarizing. This
helps you express the ideas in your own words rather than unintentionally copying the structure of the original
text.
Avoid Patchwriting: Don’t just replace a few words or rearrange sentences from the original text. Instead,
rewrite the concept entirely in your own words and give credit to the original source.
❑ Use Your Own Ideas
Original Thought: Focus on developing your own ideas and arguments, drawing on research as support rather
than merely repeating what others have said. This reduces the likelihood of relying too heavily on outside sources.
Synthesize Information: Integrate various sources to form a unique perspective or analysis, rather than simply
summarizing individual sources. This adds originality to your work.
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❑ Acknowledge Common Knowledge vs. Unique Ideas
Know What to Cite: You don’t need to cite commonly known facts (e.g., historical dates or widely
accepted information). However, when in doubt, cite any idea, argument, or theory that is not your own
or isn’t common knowledge.
❑ Manage Your Time Effectively
Avoid Last-Minute Work: Plagiarism often occurs when people are rushed and don’t have time to
properly paraphrase or cite. Managing your time ensures you have adequate time to research, write, and
check citations properly.
Draft and Revise: Allow time to revise your work. Revisiting your work after a break can help you spot
areas that may need clearer citations or better paraphrasing.
❑ Understand Your Institution's Policies
Know the Rules: Academic institutions often have specific guidelines on plagiarism and citations. Make
sure you understand and follow these rules carefully to avoid inadvertent plagiarism.
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References
Ali, W. Z. W. Ismail, H. & Cheat, T. (2012). Plagiarism: To What Extent it is Understood?
Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 59. 604–611.
Bailey, J. (2019, January 29). 5 Historical Moments that Shaped Plagiarism: Plagiarism Since the
Dawn of Language, Retrieved on 30th May, 2022, from
https://www.turnitin.com/blog/5-historical-moments-that-shaped-plagiarism#:~:text=The%20etym
ology%20of%20the%20word,key%20works%20by%20other%20authors
Gottardello, D., Pàmies, M., & Valverde, M. (2017). Professors’ perceptions of university students’
plagiarism: A literature review. BID: Textos universitaris de biblioteconomia i documentació,
39(diciembre).
Maurer, H., Kappe, F., & Zaka, B. (2006). Plagiarism - A survey. Journal of Universal Computer
Science, 12, 1050-1084.
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Paraphrasing
Exercise-1: Paraphrase the following sentences.
1. She did not want to change her job. She may change her mind.
2. Our neighbors’ party was so noisy that we couldn’t sleep. We didn’t complain,
though.
3. The new manager seems to be a very capable woman. I met her last week.
4. I was not paying attention to the screen, so I accidentally deleted some
important files on my computer.
5. My uncle seems well-educated; however, he’s not very bright.
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Exercise-2: Paraphrase the following passage.
In our society, even educated people do not like reading books. They try to spend
their leisure time with their friends or hanging around without any reason, thus they
waste their time. A person may avoid such company by involving in other activities.
However, spending time with books is much better than wasting time on
unproductive activities. A person who intends to read should try to pick good books
because life is busy and time is scarce. We cannot afford to spend time reading all
sorts of books. They educate hearts, improve characters, console and delight us.
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Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is using your own words to express someone else’s message or ideas. In
a paraphrase, the ideas and meaning of the original source must be maintained; the
main ideas need to come through, but the wording has to be your own.
If the wording of the paraphrase is too close to the wording of the original then it is
plagiarism. The main ideas need to come through, but the wording has to be your
own.
Guidelines for Paraphrasing:
• Read the original text two or three times or until you are sure you understand it.
• Rephrase the sentences keeping the information intact from the original text.
• You must use your own language. Use synonyms to avoid using the same words
that the author has used.
• Do not put your own opinion.
• The length can be similar or a little less or more than the original text.
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Précis
Précis
According to the precis definition, the word “Précis” comes from the French language and
means “precise” or “to cut brief”. A precis is a brief synopsis of another work-for example,
a dissertation or a scholarly article. The main purpose of a precis is to sum up any ideas that
were stated in the piece, explain the main message, and give readers an idea of how the
original piece was structured.
There are 5 keys to the precis format, they are:
1. Conciseness: a precis should be about 1/4th the size of the original piece. It has to be
concise and straight to the point; thus, one should avoid repetition, wordy expressions,
wateriness, and unnecessary details.
2. Objectivity: A precis implies providing an objective construal of the essential information
given in the original piece, without including one’s personal opinions.
3. Coherency: One must provide information in a logical sequence.
4. Clarity: A precis should be easy to read and understand. The main goal of this work is to
make the reader understand the original piece and the ideas the author conveyed in it,
without the reader even having to read it. Thus, use simple structure and language.
5. Correctness: A precis should deliver accurate details, figures, facts, dates, and should have 14
proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Précis
Key Notes:
1. A precis is a short summary of an article or other work, but not a paraphrased copy
or a critical analysis.
2. It should be concise (about ¼th of the original source’s volume).
3. It should only focus on the main ideas, arguments, facts, and details.
4. A precis should include basic information about the original source, such as its title,
author, and date.
5. A precis does not contain a student’s personal opinions.
6. It has to be easy to read, clear, and well-structured.
7. There should be no details or other information from other sources.
8. A precis is written in the third person.
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Précis
Sample
In an era of rapid technological advancement, the role of education must be redefined.
Education should not merely be about the accumulation of knowledge but rather about
fostering critical thinking and adaptability. As technology evolves, so too must our approaches
to teaching and learning. This means integrating technology into the classroom not as a
replacement for traditional methods, but as a tool to enhance the educational experience.
Ultimately, the goal of education should be to prepare students not just for the jobs of today,
but for the challenges of tomorrow.
Précis: In the context of technological progress, education should shift from mere knowledge
acquisition to nurturing critical thinking and adaptability. As technology advances, it should
complement rather than replace traditional teaching, aiming to prepare students for future
challenges beyond current job markets. 16
Exercise-1: Write Précis the following passage.
Libraries are valuable resources in every community. They provide free access to books, information, and
computers, which many people might not afford otherwise. Libraries also host events, book clubs, and
educational programs that bring people together and promote lifelong learning. In addition, librarians are
knowledgeable and helpful, assisting visitors with research, finding books, and navigating technology.
Libraries are quiet places for study and reflection, making them essential for both personal and
educational growth.
Exercise-2: Write Précis the following passage.
Climate change is a complex global issue impacting every continent, ocean, and atmosphere. It stems
largely from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, which release greenhouse
gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, causing the Earth's
temperature to rise. This warming has a range of consequences, from melting glaciers and rising sea levels
to more severe weather events, like hurricanes and droughts. Additionally, climate change affects
biodiversity, as many species struggle to adapt to shifting habitats and temperatures. Human health is also
at risk, with increased incidents of heat-related illnesses, diseases spread by insects, and poor air quality.
Governments, scientists, and citizens around the world are working to address climate change by reducing
emissions, promoting renewable energy, and protecting natural resources. While efforts are ongoing, 17
Answers to Exercise-1 and 2:
Précis: Libraries offer free resources, host educational programs, and provide a quiet
space for study, supporting community learning and personal growth.
Précis: Climate change, driven by human actions, results in rising temperatures and
severe weather, affecting biodiversity and health. Global cooperation to reduce
emissions and promote renewable energy is essential to lessen its impact and ensure
a stable future.
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Summarization
Summarization
Summarization is the process of condensing a text or speech into a shorter version
while retaining its essential meaning and key points. It involves identifying the main
ideas, themes, and relevant details, then rephrasing them in a concise format.
Summarization helps readers or listeners grasp the core message without needing to
engage with the full material, making it a valuable skill for studying, note-taking, and
effective communication.
There are two main types of summarization:
• Extractive Summarization: This method involves selecting key sentences or
phrases directly from the original text and combining them to create a summary.
• Abstractive Summarization: This approach requires paraphrasing and rewriting
the content, which may involve generating new sentences to capture the main
ideas in a more coherent way.
• Effective summarization: allows for better understanding and retention of
information, making it easier to communicate complex concepts clearly and
efficiently.
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Summarization
To summarize effectively, someone can follow these steps:
Read Carefully: Understand the material fully, noting the main points, arguments,
or storyline.
Identify Key Ideas: Highlight central themes or arguments rather than focusing on
details. Look for topic sentences or repeated points, as these often carry the main
message.
Use Your Own Words: Rephrase the main points in a shorter way while
maintaining the original meaning.
Be Concise: Only include what’s essential to grasp the overall idea. Aim to cut out
examples, anecdotes, or redundant phrases unless they're crucial.
Maintain the Tone and Purpose: Keep the summary aligned with the original
intent—whether informative, persuasive, or descriptive.
Review and Revise: Check if the summary captures the essence and is free from
any personal interpretations or added details.
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Summarization
Sample
Passage: The sun is the closest star to Earth. It gives us light and warmth, which are
essential for life. Without the sun, plants would not grow, and we would not have food
to eat. The sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening, marking day and night.
Summary: The sun provides light and warmth, helping plants grow and giving us food. It
rises in the morning and sets at night.
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Exercise -1: Summarize the following Passage.
Honeybees play an important role in our ecosystem. They pollinate flowers, allowing plants
to produce fruits and seeds. Without bees, many plants would not grow well. People also
harvest honey from bees, which is used as food. Bees live in colonies and work together to
find food and protect their hive.
Exercise -2: Summarize the following Passage.
The Great Wall of China is one of the most remarkable constructions in human history.
Built over many centuries, it stretches across northern China for thousands of miles. The
wall was originally built to protect Chinese territories from invasions, with watchtowers
along its length to observe approaching enemies. Today, the Great Wall stands as a symbol
of Chinese strength and perseverance and is visited by millions of tourists from around the
world.
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Exercise -3: Summarize the following Passage.
The Amazon rainforest, often called the “lungs of the Earth,” is one of the most diverse
and vital ecosystems on the planet. It spans several South American countries, with the
largest portion in Brazil. This vast rainforest is home to an astounding variety of plant and
animal species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Trees in the Amazon
produce a significant portion of the world’s oxygen and absorb vast amounts of carbon
dioxide, helping to regulate global climate. However, the Amazon faces numerous threats.
Deforestation, driven by logging, agriculture, and cattle ranching, is causing widespread
habitat loss. As trees are cut down, biodiversity decreases, and carbon dioxide levels rise,
contributing to global warming. Indigenous communities that have lived in harmony with
the forest for centuries are also affected, as they lose their land and resources.
Governments and environmental organizations are working together to find sustainable
solutions to preserve the Amazon. Efforts include setting up protected areas, promoting
responsible land use, and encouraging reforestation. The survival of the Amazon is crucial,
not only for South America but for the entire planet, as it plays a key role in maintaining
ecological balance.
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Answers to Exercise-1, 2 and 3:
Summary: Honeybees pollinate plants and help them grow. They also make honey,
which people eat. Bees live in colonies and work together.
Summary: The Great Wall of China was built to defend against invasions and now
symbolizes Chinese strength. It’s a long, historic structure visited by tourists
worldwide.
Summary: The Amazon rainforest, a critical ecosystem producing oxygen and
absorbing carbon dioxide, is threatened by deforestation. This impacts biodiversity,
indigenous communities, and climate stability. Efforts to preserve it include creating
protected areas, promoting sustainable land use, and encouraging reforestation,
essential for global ecological health.
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