Norwood Secondary College Subject Guides: Plagiarism

What is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism is when someone copies another person's work and takes credit for it themselves.
(From the State Library of Victoria)

Types of plagiarism: 

• Directly quoting, paraphrasing or summarising other people's words without acknowledgement
• Copying or buying an essay and handing it in as your own work
• Presenting another students’ research as your own

 Plagiarism may be:

• Deliberate (eg. buying an essay and submitting it as your own work)
• Accidental (eg. incorrectly referencing the work of others because of carelessness or lack of academic skills)

 The consequences for plagiarism apply even for unintentional plagiarism.

(From Victoria University)

Common Knowledge

"Generally speaking, you can regard something as common knowledge if you find the same information undocumented in at least five credible sources. Additionally, it might be common knowledge if you think the information you're presenting is something your readers will already know, or something that a person could easily find in general reference sources. But when in doubt, cite; if the citation turns out to be unnecessary, your teacher or editor will tell you." 

(From Purdue OWL)