Becky Lyons
Plagiarism
EID Chapter 12


In writing it is important to avoid plagiarism and make sure that everything you write is in your own words, unless otherwise cited. When you are writing a paper or essay, the ideas that you present should be your own because you cannot just steal someone else's thoughts. When it comes to the idea of assignments in classes, it is especially important to avoid plagiarism because it is a great offense and it degrades you as a student. Also, you are not learning about what you are researching if you are simply taking information from another person or source. You are simply rewording or restating what they have already said and failing to produce any new or relevant ideas. Citing you work is of great importance when you are composing because whoever your audience is needs to know where the thoughts you present have come from. If they are from an outside source they should be credited with the work they have done concerning the topic. If you plagiarize you are basically stealing from someone else and decreasing your own academic integrity, which will not be beneficial in the long run.