How to avoid plagiarism and paraphrase correctly?
Plagiarism is not limited to copying an entire paragraph. Another problem may be the use of someone else's idea without a source, a too close paraphrase, the translation of a foreign text without a footnote, or the reuse of one's own previous work. Safe work begins with consciously noting sources.
Key information
- ✓Mark the source both when quoting and paraphrasing someone else's thought.
- ✓Paraphrase the meaning after understanding the passage, not by exchanging synonyms.
- ✓Separate your own notes from verbatim fragments.
- ✓Check compliance of each footnote with the bibliography before submission.
Quotation, paraphrase and shared information
The quote repeats the author's exact words, therefore it requires quotation marks or appropriate separation and a footnote. A paraphrase presents the same idea in your own words, but also requires a source.
Commonly known facts usually do not need a footnote, but the limit depends on the discipline and the recipient. If in doubt, it is safer to point to a reliable publication.
Paraphrase is not an exchange of synonyms
First, read the fragment, put aside the source and write down the meaning in your own structure. Then compare both versions and add a footnote. Maintaining the order of the sentences and exchanging a few words create a paraphrase that is too close.
It is worth combining several sources: showing consistency, differences and your own conclusion. A synthesis better demonstrates independent work than a serial summary of authors one by one.
Notes that prevent mistakes
For each note, write down the author, year, title and page. Immediately put quotation marks around literal fragments so as not to confuse them with your own writing after a few weeks.
The bibliography manager helps you store your data but does not evaluate the accuracy of your paraphrase. Also keep files and drafts that document the process of creating your work.
Final text fairness check
Review passages containing definitions, data, classifications, and authors' positions. Check that each borrowing has the correct marking and that the quotations are consistent with the original.
The similarity report is an auxiliary tool, not a method of repairing text by mechanically replacing words. The disturbing passage should be reworked based on the source and citation rules.
Summary
The originality of the work does not consist in replacing individual words, but in organizing knowledge independently, comparing sources and drawing justified conclusions. Every other person's thought needs an indication of its origin, regardless of whether it has been quoted, paraphrased or translated. Good notes and consistent footnotes protect the text from plagiarism control more effectively than correcting the text.
Frequently asked questions
Does a paraphrase require a footnote?
Yes. Changing the wording does not change the authorship of the idea. The footnote shows the source of the information used.
Is translating a foreign text plagiarism?
It may be so if the translation is presented without indicating the author and source. Translation does not create new authorship.
What level of similarity is allowed?
There is no one universal percentage that guarantees acceptance. The report requires interpretation, and the rules are set by the university. The most important thing is to mark loanwords correctly.
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