Let’s be honest, we have all been guilty of taking credit for someone else’s ideas at least once in our lives. (Not that we’re proud of it.)
Plagiarism rules become stricter as you advance to higher education, especially when you reach university or college levels. Professors don’t allow a lot of leeway for plagiarism which means you have to be extra careful.
Sometimes you might not even intend to plagiarize but it could potentially show up as plagiarism. Teachers and professors use all sorts of software and programs to detect these types of things, which is why it is in your best interest to avoid it at all costs.
If you are worried about accidentally being looped into this problem, don’t worry. I have some great tips on how you can avoid it completely!
1. Acknowledge other people’s ideas
Academic papers, like term papers, are usually heavy on sources and citations. This simply means that your professors do expect you to refer to other people’s ideas, people who are experts on the topic in question.
This is why you must give credit wherever it is due. The ideal practice of referencing an existing idea is to explain it in your own words, while using the original idea in quotations and citing it.
It might be tempting to see something on the internet and use it as your own idea but don’t do it. It is really not worth the trouble you could potentially go through.
2. Draw off other sources
It’s difficult to have your own opinion on something when you don’t know much about the topic. This is why you should read a lot of different sources so that you can have ideas of your own.
This doesn’t mean that you’re plagiarising. You will be building on other people’s ideas, disagreeing with some, synthesizing another and so forth.
Then you can use the sources to back your arguments and make them stronger. This way you have not only avoided plagiarism but you will also end up with an excellent term paper.
3. Order a term paper
If you are really worried about plagiarising and you don’t have a lot of time to work on your assignment, you can always order term paper.
Your paper will be written by experts who will make sure that your term paper is absolutely free of any type of plagiarism while also ensuring you a good grade.
4. Don’t be intention about it
Only when you have completely intended to copy someone else’s ideas and paper, that is when you will get in trouble for plagiarising.
No matter how much you rewrite, or rephrase, your professors will still be able to detect these things pretty easily.
You can easily avoid intentional plagiarism if you make sure to research well and do your part. If there is anything you don’t understand, consult your professor and they will help you out.