Guidelines for Technical Writing

by V.L. Young and K.J. Sampson

Plagiarism

Definition - Tips - Examples

Definition (Return to top)

Plagiarism is defined in the Ohio University Student Handbook as "presenting the ideas or writing of someone else as one's own". It is a form of academic misconduct. Even if you change a few words of someone else's sentence, it is still plagiarism if the same idea is presented in essentially the same style. Plagiarism by students is often unintentional, but still unacceptable.

Tips (Return to top)

To avoid plagiarism:

  • Take notes when you read. Do not write complete sentences unless the author has some insight you want to quote exactly.
  • Wait till the day after you read the original source text to draft your paper.
  • Don't draft your paper with the original source text (or a photocopy) open next to you. Use your notes. Go back to the source later to check something you are unsure of.

    • Of course, it is permissable to use other peoples' ideas in your writing, as long as you give them appropriate credit.

    Examples (Return to top)

  • If you use exact words from another source, put quotation marks around them.
    Example:
    According to Treybal (1968), "successful application of distillation methods depends greatly upon an understanding of the equilibria which exist between the vapor and liquid phases of the mixtures encountered."


  • It is not sufficient to use the citation alone if a direct quote is used.
    Incorrect example:
    Successful application of distillation methods depends greatly upon an understanding of the equilibria which exist between the vapor and liquid phases of the mixtures encountered (Treybal, 1968).


  • Changing a few words is not sufficient. Either use your own words or quote it.
    Incorrect example:
    To successfully apply distillation methods, one must understand the equilibria that exist between the vapor and liquid phases of the mixtures encountered (Treybal, 1968).


  • Quotes are not necessary if you just use the idea. However, a citation is still required. Warning: it is almost impossible to put a single sentence into your own words. This is why you should read and understand, then write from your notes.
    Acceptable example:
    With an understanding of vapor-liquid equilibria, distillation processes can be designed to separate many mixtures (Treybal, 1968).

  • Put the citation where it is needed to make it clear which information is derived from which source.

    • Place the citation after a key word or phrase which suggests a citation is needed. If most or all of a paragraph is from one source, put the citation at the end of the topic sentence. Repeat the citation later if necessary to make the source of information clear. More information about citations is elsewhere in the Guidelines.
    Examples:
    "Previous work (Smith, 1987) showed ..."
    "The two systems are not equivalent (Jones, 1998) but they share some similarities."

  • Return to top.
  • Return to Guidelines.
  • Return to Dr. Young's home page.
  • Return to Chemical Engineering home page.

    • (Last modified on 4/28/98)