Welcome to another: You Asked the Experts Answer, segment. The question this week – What is plagiarism?
If you’ve been watching television, read anything on social media, or in the news this week, you’re aware of the controversial speech Melania Trump gave on Monday night. Personally, I thought her speech was beautifully given and expressed some of the same values I’ve articulated. However, many don’t see it that way, questioning certain passages as plagiarism.
As writers we’ve repeatedly heard the saying, there is no new story under the sun. Not wanting to plagiarize, I went on the hunt for the original source. There were many quasi-sources, but the most original came from the King James Bible – Ecclesiastes 1:9. Some might argue that the above statement is a common expression and doesn’t need sourcing, but and there in lies the rub. How do we know? You can find out more about, The exception of common knowledge, here
What is Plagiarism?
According to the reliable Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Plagiarism -“the act of using another person’s words or ideas without giving credit to that person.” However, it’s more complicated than good old Webster implies.
Types of Plagiarism:
According to the Harvard Guide to Using Sources, there are six types of plagiarism. You can find out more by clicking on the links below.
- Verbatim plagiarism – word for word.
- Mosaic plagiarism – bits and pieces.
- Inadequate paraphrase – language too close to the original.
- United paraphrase – using your words to reflect another’s ideas or words with giving credit.
- United quotations – using quotations without citing the source.
- Using material from another’s work – collaboration is fine, but most be cited from the source.
As you can see avoiding making mistakes is like walking a tightrope at times and as writers it becomes even more important. Below are a number of resources to help you avoid those nasty pitfalls. In addition, I’ve provided a list of the top plagiarism checkers for you to evaluate.
- The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill
- The Purdue OWL
- The Writing Center – The Writer’s Handbook – Avoiding Plagiarism.
- Referencing Issues in Everyday Life by Tim Gorichanaz, Drexel University
Some of the Top 12 Plagiarism Checkers:
- Grammarly
- PlagTracker
- PaperRater
- WriteCheck
- PlagScan
- Small Seo tools
- Plagiarism Checker
- Dustball
- CopyScape
- Article Checker
- Understanding & Preventing Plagiarism
- Plagiarism Check
It’s true, there isn’t anything new in this world and many of us share common values, even words, but it can get sticky. When in doubt, check. In the meantime, write and make your voice heard.
UPDATE: Thanks to Nancy Christinovich, content strategist at plagiarismcheck.org for this infographic.
I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram. You can follow my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
Reblogged this on Writer's Treasure Chest and commented:
A very informative and helpful blog post. Thank you very much for these tips, Sheila! They’re very much appreciated!
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You’re very welcome, and thanks for the reblog. Glad to see you taking a stroll through the pasture.
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It was my pleasure to wander through your blog, Sheila. Thanks for such a great work!! And what a great article to re-blog!
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Thanks for sharing this information. It’s amazing how much plagiarism goes on in classrooms as well as in the field of writing. These are excellent resources.
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Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. So glad you found the Cow Pasture. Thanks for following and welcome to the fence jumpers.
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Hi Sheila, I found your informative post via the wonderful Mr. Ape.
I’ve shared this on Google+ too.
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Thank you Tracey! so glad you found me and glad you liked it well enough to share.
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This is a useful list. It is all the more reason that Mrs. Trump’s speech could have been a bit more original.
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It was unfortunate that the speech writer didn’t take more time. As writers it’s a word to the wise. I’m glad you found it helpful and thanks for stopping by the Cow Pasture.
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Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog.
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Thanks Sheila! Good post. I’ve used copyscape and learned to never have three words in a row. Difficult to do when writing about facts for a true story. Writing fiction though is fun as you just write away! I hope to always stay on the right side of the law. Truly in this big world we do have the same values and concepts as others; so naturally I would think every now and then we might write similar. But to intentionally copy, not giving credit, is lazy and stealing.
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An important topic, Sheila, well articulated in your post. I suspect that many authors are scared of unconscious plagiarism. I actually offered a caveat in one of my books to a phrase I came up with that seemed way too clever to be my own (smile). I noted “If some famous writer didn’t say this, s/he should have.”
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Great tip! I’ll stick that one away for future use. Thanks for stopping by and contributing to the conversation.
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Reblogged this on Mysticalwriter.
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Thanks for the reblog. It’s always good to see you strolling through my pasture.
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Thanks, Sheila. Sharing on Twitter & Pinterest.
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Thank you Bette! So glad you found your way to my little corner of the world. Thank you for following and welcome to the fence jumpers.
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Happy to find you and look forward to your posts!
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My pleasure.
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I’ve been studying this since I started college! It is posted everywhere! When it comes to research and using secondary resources, it can be a little tricky to put it in your own words. We have to use in-text citing, citing our work, and bibliography. I really get confused using MLA and APA. I don’t understand the difference. But in my classes I’m using both. Exhausting.
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Agreed Kate! Confusing and as I said, like walking a tightrope. Thanks so much for stopping by and joining the conversation.
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And there are only so many ways to put things in your own words!
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I’m sure many writers feel the same. That’s why we have great imaginations. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Adventures and Musings of an Arch Druidess.
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Thank you so much for the reblog. Glad you liked it well enough to share and happy to se you in my little corner of the world.
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🙂
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That’s a useful list of types of plagiarism. Thanks. Mosiac plagiarism sounds artsy.
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Glad you liked it and agreed – artsy indeed.
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
Article from Author Sheila M Good – includes links to 10 Top Plagiarism Checkers 👍
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Thanks so much Chris for the reblog! Much obliged.
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Welcome Sheila – Great post 😀
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Thanks. 🙂
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This is one of the best and most extensive explanations of plagiarism I’ve ever read. Some might be surprised to learn there are several types of plagiarism. http://usingsources.fas.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k70847&pageid=icb.page342054
Including Verbatim plagiarism, Mosaic plagiarism, and Inadequate paraphrase. It can get quite complicated.
Yes, I enjoyed the speech too. Both times. 🙂
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I’m glad you liked the post. But, I’m not taking the bait, as much as I would like to.
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No bait intended, but it is a good Harvard link
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Thanks for sharing this.
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You’re welcome.
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