Sometimes students use outside sources, primary or secondary, in writing papers. One of the most prevalent forms of plagiarism is the "Apt Term" kind where a student sees a very appropriately worded phrase, often unique to the author whose work the student is reading, and decides to use this phrase without giving credit to its originator.
The best way to avoid plagiarism on papers is to avoid consulting any outside sources unless directed to do so. In British literature and Advanced Placement, we are trying to develop your own analytical ability so we don't often look at what critics or other writers say on a subject.
The best way to avoid plagiarism in a research paper is to take notes in you own words. If you have taken good note cards which state clearly and in your own language what you have read, there should be no problem.
In the research paper, you will be required to produce ALL stages of your paper from note cards
through outline, intro.
and rough drafts, so please save and print out copies of various drafts
to place in your envelope.
Beware of the “APT TERM” plagiarism. If you use a truly distinctive
word or phrase of any
author or critic (often a key word or significant phrase), use quotation
marks and give credit in a
parenthetical note. Your voice will sound different from a critic's.
Use your own words or give
credit.
QUOTE: “Enemy of the people (for their own good) is therefore a role
that meshes naturally
with Shaw's ideas” (Ohmann 27).
APT TERM PLAGIARISM: Shaw feels comfortable in his role as an enemy
of the
people.
CORRECT PARAPHRASE: Shaw feels comfortable in his familiar role as an
“enemy of the
people” (Ohmann 27).