Types of Plagiarism And Why You Should Avoid Plagiarising

Introduction

Plagiarism is frequently understood as the act of copying another person’s work or using their ideas without permission. Therefore, it is considered to be a serious academic offence.

So, let’s try to understand what constitutes plagiarism and the different types of plagiarism.

What Is Considered Plagiarism?

Like original inventions, the use of original ideas is protected by copyright laws as intellectual property. Essentially, all forms of intellectual expression are protected by copyright as long as they are somehow preserved – for example, in a book or digital file.

There are several ways to commit plagiarism, including:

• Stealing another person’s ideas or work. This involves copying from other students as well as from previously published or unpublished works like books, websites, paper factories, computer code, designs, and the like
• Resubmitting your original work, which has been previously submitted or evaluated
• Submitting content that was solicited from or created by someone else.
• Failing to properly cite your sources
• Neglecting to put the quote in quotation marks
• Providing false or incorrect information about a quotation’s source.
• Altering the wording but lifting the sentence structure without giving credit.
• Using words or concepts from a source so extensively that they constitute a significant portion of the work you produce, whether or not you give credit.

Types Of Plagiarism

Let’s go over the most common types of plagiarism. You must be familiar with the definition of types of plagiarism so that you can avoid it in the IELTS Writing module.

Complete and Direct Plagiarism

Direct plagiarism is when an entire passage of someone else’s writing is copied verbatim, without attribution, and without using quotation marks.

• It is also considered complete plagiarism to hire someone to write your paper, and then turn in that paper with your name on it.
• Plagiarism also includes taking someone else’s work and presenting it as your own.

Paraphrasing Plagiarism

If an individual takes the work of someone else while making minor modifications in the phrasing of sentences, it is known as paraphrasing plagiarism.

Many students don’t even see it as a kind of plagiarism, and thus it is one of the most common types of plagiarism.

However, plagiarism charges can be levied if you use someone else’s original concept without giving them credit, even if you put it in your own words.

Patchwork Plagiarism

Sometimes also called mosaic plagiarism, patchwork plagiarism describes situations in which copied work is incorporated into the author’s original work. This type of plagiarism can be deceptive and easily overlooked.

Source Plagiarism

This type of plagiarism involves the writer correctly citing their sources but misrepresenting those claims made in these sources.

Accidental Plagiarism

Not all instances of plagiarism are the result of deliberate attempts to cheat. Sometimes, when taking notes, students may forget to record citation information, or they may be unaware of reference practices.

These defences, however, do not guarantee immunity from a plagiarism charge and the repercussions. It is your duty to learn the standard referencing practices in your field, to take comprehensive notes, and to stay away from close paraphrasing.

What Happens If You Plagiarise?

Plagiarism in exams is taken seriously by all universities. Depending on the severity of the case, students might face a deduction in their overall score for the assignment or a failing grade. In serious circumstances, students might be expelled from the university or their degree might be rescinded. Even unintentional plagiarism is subject to penalties.

Conclusion

The intentional theft of another person’s work is unethical, intellectually dishonest, and punishable by disciplinary measures, up to and including expulsion.

As a student, you will need to take care to use proper paraphrasing and citation methods to avoid plagiarism. To learn more about the standards and practices for studying abroad, sign up to IELTSMaterial and get a FREE 1:1 demo session!