Using Sources in your Work:

A Tutorial on Avoiding Plagiarism

GRADE 9
NOTE:
To move through this tutorial, use the
mouse to click on the arrow at the
bottom right of your screen.

Agenda for Tutorial

Read three sample situations. Determine if

the student was ethical in his or her use of
a source.

Learn more about how to avoid plagiarism.

Take a quiz to verify your understanding.

Pledge that you will not plagiarize.

Lets look at some

hypothetical situations.
For each, identify if the student
used his or her sources acceptably.

Jacks Situation
Jack has an English paper due tomorrow.
He read the book and paid attention
during class, but he has no idea what to
write about.
Jack logs onto the Internet just to get some
ideas about topics for his paper.
He finds a great idea and begins writing his
paper using the topic he found. He is very
careful to avoid copying any text or words
from the Internet article he found.

Is this plagiarism?

Yes

No

You must choose from the blue

buttons at the bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose
one of the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide

You said
Jack did plagiarize.
You are right. Jacks actions constitute
plagiarism.
Jack is committing plagiarism by taking
the ideas of the source without citing
them in the paper.
Even though he put the ideas in his own
words, Jack is stealing the intellectual
property of the source.

You said
Jack did not plagiarize.
You are wrong. Jacks actions constitute
plagiarism.
Jack is committing plagiarism by taking the
ideas of the source without citing them in the
paper.
Even though he put the ideas in his own
words, Jack is stealing the intellectual property
of the source. You are wrong. Jacks actions
constitute plagiarism.
He could avoid plagiarism if he cites the source
of the ideas in his paper.

Jills Situation
During history class, Jill is asked to
find some background on Fidel
Castros rise to power.
Jill does a Google search and arrives at
Wikipedias article on Fidel Castro.
Without using quotation marks, Jill
cuts and pastes several sentences
from Wikipedia into her assignment.

Is this plagiarism?

Yes

No

You must choose from the blue

buttons at the bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose
one of the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide

You said
Jill did plagiarize.
You are right. Jills actions constitute
plagiarism.
By taking the words from the Wikipedia
article, Jill is committing plagiarism.
She can avoid plagiarizing if she quotes
the article in her assignment and
includes an entry describing the source
in a bibliography at the end of her
paper.

You said
Jill did not plagiarize.
You are wrong. Jills actions constitute
plagiarism.
By taking the words from the Wikipedia
article, Jill is committing plagiarism.
She can avoid plagiarizing if she quotes
the article in her assignment and
includes an entry describing the source
in a bibliography at the end of her
paper.

Gretels Situation
Gretel is a freshman who feels
overwhelmed by the high school.
When her science teacher assigns a
short worksheet on genetics, Gretel
is confused and frustrated.
During lunch, Gretel borrows her
friends paper and copies the
answers onto her own paper.

Is this plagiarism?

Yes

No

You must choose from the blue

buttons at the bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose
one of the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide

You said
Gretel did plagiarize.
You are right. Gretels actions
constitute plagiarism.
Even if Gretels friend gave permission
for Gretel to copy her work, it is still
plagiarism.
Gretel is guilty of plagiarism. She tried
to take credit for the words and ideas of
another person.

You said
Gretel did not plagiarize.
You are wrong. Gretels actions
constitute plagiarism.
Even if Gretels friend gave permission
for Gretel to copy her work, it is still
plagiarism.
Gretel tried to take credit for the words
and ideas of another person.

Think youve got it?

Read the following

(and remember, there will be a short quiz on this material!)

There are two acceptable ways

to use sources:

Direct Quotation

Paraphrase

Includes summarizing and referencing the works

of others within your paper or project

There are two acceptable ways

to use sources:

Direct Quotation
What it is:

The exact words of an author used word for word in

your paper or project.

When to use it:

The exact phrasing of the source suits your needs.

You want to use the sources exact wordseven just
a particular apt or unusual phrase.

How to use it:

Copy the exact words of the source, putting those

words inside quotation marks.
Put a citation at the end of the quotation indicating
the page number.
At the end of your paper, include a bibliographic
entry on a page that lists your references.

There are two acceptable ways

to use sources:
Paraphrase
What it is:

Using your own words to restate the sources idea. This could be
a summary of the sources point, a brief mention of the sources
findings, or a longer restatement of the sources idea.

Use paraphrase when:

The exact phrasing of the source is too technical, too wordy, etc.
You want to present the sources idea in a more compact,
focused way

How to use it:

Before the paraphrase, introduce the source. This will show

where the paraphrase begins.
Use your own words to restate the meaning of the source. This
means you change words, structure, and syntax. You do not
merely substitute synonyms for the sources original phrasing.
Put a citation at the end of the quotation indicating the page
number or source.
Include a bibliographic entry on a reference page at
the end of your paper or project.

Testing your understanding

Can you tell the difference between a
direct quotation and a paraphrase?
Click on the correct answer for each of
the following samples.

Direct Quotation vs. Paraphrase

Model #1
In his book on Googles business
strategy, John Battelle states,
Google had more than its finger on the
pulse of our culture, it was directly
jacked into the cultures nervous
system (2).

This is an example of
DIRECT QUOTATION

This is an example of
PARAPHRASE

You must choose from the buttons

at the bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose
one of the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide

Paraphrase
Sorry, no. You are incorrect.
The student did not paraphrase--she
used a direct quotation. The quotation
marks give it away:
In his book on Googles business strategy, John
Battelle states: Google had more than its finger
on the pulse of our culture, it was directly jacked
into the cultures nervous system (2).

Direct Quotation

Easy, right? If you see quotation

marks, it is a direct quotation.
Any time you use the exact words of
a source, you must surround them in
quotation marks and indicate the
source.

Direct Quotation vs. Paraphrase

Model #2

Battelles argument is based on a

memo written by Google CEO Eric
Schmidt. The memo reveals that
Google was focusing its attention on
corporate marketing budgets (153).

This is an example of
DIRECT QUOTATION

This is an example of
PARAPHRASE

You must choose from the green

buttons at the bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose
one of the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide

Paraphrase
Good job! Sample #2 was a
paraphrase.
Anytime a student rewrites a sources
idea into his or her own words, the
user must give the source credit. This
is paraphrasing.

Direct Quotation
No. Read it again:
Battelles argument is based on a memo written by Google
CEO Eric Schmidt. The memo reveals that Google was
focusing its attention on corporate marketing budgets (153).

That example is a paraphrase.

You should know because the student
did not include quotation marks; she
rephrased the original into her own
written style; and she cited the source.

Direct Quotation vs. Paraphrase

Model #3

As he explains the importance of choosing

the best searchable keywords to allow others
to find a website, Battelle presents a
comparison to the Greek story of The
Odyssey, Is [being known to a wide
audience] not what every person longs for
what Odysseus chose over Kalypsos
nameless immortalityto die, but to be
known forever? (284).
This is an example of
DIRECT QUOTATION

This is an example of
PARAPHRASE

You must choose from the green

buttons at the bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose
one of the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide

Paraphrase

You are incorrect. The example was

a direct quotation. Look at it again:
In explaining the importance of searchable
functions, Battelle reveals his insight into the heart
of mankind, Is that not what every person longs
forwhat Odysseus chose over Kalypsos nameless
immortalityto die, but to be known forever?
(284).

The student included quotation

marks, indicating that he used the
exact words of the original source.
Therefore, it is a direct quotation.

Direct Quotation

Correct!
The use of the exact words of the
source makes it a direct quotation.
The student shows readers that it is
a direct quotation by using quotation
marks.
Additionally, he provides information
to help the reader identify the
source.

So, you know the difference

between a direct quotation
and a paraphrase
Now what?

Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is:
To steal the words or ideas of another
person
To pass off the words or ideas of another
person as ones own

Further:
It does not matter whether the theft of
words or ideas is intentional or
accidental.
Either way, it is plagiarism.

Why should you bother?

Four good reasons for citing sources in
your work:
Citing reliable information gives
credibility to your work.
Cheating is unethical behavior.
It is only fair to give credit to the source
otherwise, you are stealing the
sources ideas.
The consequences are severe
plagiarism is not worth the risk.

You probably have two

questions:

What do I need to cite?

This chart will

help you decide
what must be
cited.
It was created by
Robert A. Harris in
The Plagiarism
Handbook.

Did you
think of
it?

Yes.

No.

Is it
common
knowledge?

Yes.

No.

Cite it.

Do not cite it.

Did you
think of
it?

Yes.

No.

Sothe rule is:

If you created it,
you do not need
to cite the source.
If you did not
create the

Is it
common
knowledge?

Yes.

No.

Cite it.

Do not cite it.

Did you
think of
it?

Yes.

No.

The one exception to

that rule is for common
knowledge.
You do not need to cite
the source of an
unoriginal piece of
information IF:
(1) an educated person
should know the

Is it
common
knowledge?

Yes.

No.

Cite it.

Do not cite it.

So, you dont need to cite a fact,

but you must cite the source of opinions
and ideas that are not your own.

And, you must cite any time you use the exact
words of the sourceeven if the words are
presenting common knowledge.

So, you dont need to cite a fact,

for example: Ayn Rand wrote Anthem.
OR
Ayn Rand was born in 1905.

but you must cite the source of opinions

and ideas that are not your own.
for example: Dorothy Gale believed that Anthem is an inspiring story (75).
OR
According to Joe Smith, Equality 7-2521 represents the human spirit (15).

And, you must cite any time you use the exact
words of the sourceeven if the words are
presenting common knowledge.
You must always cite the source of ANY direct quotation.

Did you
think of
it?

Yes.

No.

Take one
more look
at this
chart!

Is it
common
knowledge?
No.

Cite it.

If the idea and

Yes.

Do not cite it.

So, lets check to see that you

understand when you need to cite
the source and when you dont
Answer the following questions and
choose the correct answer.

Test Case #1
Jack isnt sure if he needs to cite the source of the
information below. He found the fact online.
Abraham Lincoln was our 16th president.
What do you think? What should Jack do? Pick one of
the answers below.

Cite the source.

This means he will:

(1) Either:
a) Surround with quotation marks, or
b) Put the quotation into his own words,
changing the syntax, structure,
& organization
(2) Include a lead-in giving the sources name,
(3) Give the page number, and
(4) List the source in a bibliography

Do not cite the

source.

This means that the information is a

commonly reported fact. It is generally
known and available from many sources.
(1) Jack should verify the information in at
least two sources, then
(2) Jack will write the well-known
information in his own words.

You must choose from the buttons

at the bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose
one of the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide

You are incorrect.

In this case,
citation
is
not
necessary.
Jack does not need to cite the source

of quote the information because it is

general knowledge.
Because Abraham Lincolns status as
the 16th President of the US is a fact
that is verifiable in many places, Jack
can use the information without
citation.

You are correct!

Jack does not need to cite this
information.
Jack does not need to cite the source

of quote the information because it is

general knowledge.
Because Abraham Lincolns status as
the 16th President of the US is a fact
that is verifiable in many places, Jack
can use the information without
citation.

Test Case #2
In her paper on Affirmative Action, Jill found one source
explaining that Affirmative Action evens the field of play by
wreaking equity on all players.
In her paper, Jill uses the phrase wreaking equity but she puts
all the other parts of the source into her own words.
What should Jill do? Pick one of the answers below.
Cite the source.

Not cite the source.

This means she will:

(1) Either:
a) Surround with quotation marks, or
b) Put the quotation into her own words,
changing the syntax, structure,
& organization

This means that the information is generally

known and available from multiple sources.

(2) Include a lead-in giving the sources name,

(2) Jill will write the well-known

information in his own words.

(3) Give the page number, and

(4) List the source in a bibliography

(1) Jill should verify the information in at

least two sources, then

(3) Jill should make a bibliographic citation

for use on her Works Consulted page.

You must choose from the buttons

at the bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose
one of the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide

You are correct!

Jill must cite this information.

Jill needs to cite the source of the

paraphrase because the idea belongs
to the source.
Further, because Jill uses the unique
phrase wreaking equity, she must
include that phrase in quotation
marks, indicating that it is a direct
quotation from the source.

You are incorrect.

In this case, citation is necessary.

Jill needs to cite the source of the

paraphrase because the idea belongs
to the source.
Further, because Jill uses the unique
phrase wreaking equity, she must
include that phrase in quotation
marks, indicating that it is a direct
quotation from the source.

Test Case #3
Gretel found a very helpful article in an online
database. She very carefully made sure that she
rewrote the content of the article using her own
personal style; she changed the authors syntax and
organization so that it fit seamlessly into her paper.
What should Gretel do?
Cite the source.

Not cite the source.

This means she will:

(1) Either:
a) Surround with quotation marks, or
b) Put the quotation into his own words,
changing the syntax, structure,
& organization

This means that the information is generally

known and available from multiple sources.

(2) Include a lead-in giving the sources name,

(2) Gretel will write the well-known

information in his own words.

(3) Give the page number, and

(4) List the source in a bibliography

(1) Gretel should verify the information in at

least two sources, then

(3) Gretel must include a bibliographic citation

on her Works Consulted page.

You must choose from the buttons

at the bottom of the page.
Read the situation and then choose
one of the options presented.
Click here to
return to previous slide

You are correct.

In this case, citation is required.

Gretel paraphrases the sources idea

and content. She must give credit to
the source.
She must provide her audience with
the source of the idea that she
borrowed.

You are incorrect!

Gretel must cite the source of this
information, even though she put it
in her ownthe
words.
Gretel paraphrases
ideas of the

source, so she must cite the identity

of the source.
Gretel must provide her audience
with the source of the material that
she borrowed.

So, you can identify what

must have a citation
Now you need to know

How to Cite a Source

Its easy. Just provide your audience with

the source of any ideas or words that are
not your own.
First, carefully mark the beginning and end of
the sources words or ideas.
Then, provide a bibliography to show where the
borrowed material originated.

In fact, listing your sources shows your

audience that you are an informed, well
researched writer!

How to Cite Direct Quotations

Provide a bibliographic entry to show where the

borrowed material originated.

Park, Beth L. Understanding Ayn Rands Anthem. Lebo

University Press: Pittsburgh, 2008.

Carefully mark the beginning and end of the

sources words or idea.

Use a signal phrase to introduce the source.

Use quotation marks to surround the words of the source.
Provide the page number (or another citation) after the
closing quotation marks.

EXAMPLE:
According to literary critic Beth L. Parks, Equality 7-2521
finds peace through his search for the height of his own
potential (24).

How to Cite Paraphrases

Provide a bibliographic entry to show where the borrowed

material originated.

Park, Beth L. Understanding Ayn Rands Anthem. Lebo University

Press: Pittsburgh, 2008.

Carefully mark the beginning and end of the sources words or

idea.
Use a signal phrase to introduce the source
Put the sources original words into your own words:

It isnt just about using synonyms to replace words.

You must change the syntax, sentence structure, and organization of
the original.
If you find yourself just changing a word here or there, ask yourself if
a direct quotation would work. If it would work, then use a direct
quotation.

Provide the page number (or another citation) after the closing
quotation marks.

EXAMPLE:
According to literary critic Beth L. Parks, Equality 7-2521 separates
himself from the society by striving to improve
the world around him (24).

It can be said in a bunch of different

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Final Directions:

Your teacher has a short written quiz for

you to take on the subject of plagiarism.
At the end of the quiz is an honor code
statement. You will sign it in order to
verify that you have received this training.
You will then have your parent sign the
honor code.
Your English teacher will collect these
signed forms.

Sources Cited
Harris, Robert A. The Plagiarism
Handbook: Strategies for Preventing,
Detecting, and Dealing with
Plagiarism. Pyrczak Publishing: Los
Angeles, 2001.

Works Consulted
DeSena, Laura Hennessey. Preventing Plagiarism:
Tips and Techniques. National Council of
Teachers of English: Urbana, IL, 2007.
Valenza, Joyce Kasman. What is Plagiarism? (And
Why You Should Care). Springfield High School
Media Center Information Literacy Lessons.
Springfield School District.

End of presentation.

If you have questions or suggestions,

please see your teacher or e-mail
Ms. Kramer (mkramer@mtlsd.net)
or Mrs. Miller (shmiller@mtlsd.net),
the creators of this presentation.