Worried that you might accidentally plagiarize? You’re not alone! We’ve got 4 key questions you should ask yourself to avoid plagiarizing.

Question #1: Have I correctly cited all borrowed material?

Take a close look each time you use someone else’s work. This could be information from a website, an article, an image or a book. You should cite any information or ideas that you borrow. However, you do not need to cite common knowledge or information that is widely known, for example, WWI started in 1914. If you’re not sure if you should cite something, cite it--just in case.

Question #2: Have I put copied text inside quotation marks?

Whenever you copy text word for word, place it inside quotation marks and cite it.

Question #3: In paraphrases, have I used my own structure and changed as many of the words as possible?

Good paraphrases start by restructuring ideas. Imagine you are explaining the idea to someone else. How would you present the information? This could include changing the order, combining or separating ideas, and using your own words.

Question #4: Have I used enough of my own voice and ideas?

Make sure that the sources aren’t doing all the talking for you. It’s your job to introduce and follow up on sources to help the reader understand how those sources support your argument.

Have questions? Get in touch.

Get help via chat or email via the Library website, phone us at 519-824-4120 ext 53617 or visit the AskUs Desk