WHAT IS PLAGIARISM?
Introduction
According to the Online Dictionary, “Plagiarism” can be defined as “the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own original work.” It can simply be defined as a form of “cheating” whereby a person represents some work as his, without acknowledging the source of the information or the original author of the work. This usually arises where the person intends to get the privilege of representing a person’s work because it could be of better quality or the original author is a professional in that particular field.
Types of Plagiarism and how to avoid them.
Although there are many types of plagiarism, there are five basic types which are the most commonly used by the majority of persons. First, there is what is commonly referred to as “Word switch Plagiarism.” This occurs where a person takes a sentence from the source and then changes a few words around. Mostly, the changing of the placement of words could be intended to change the perspective not to appear as plagiarism. But this still remains plagiarism. But this can be avoided by putting quotation marks and then quoting the Article and the Author. You can also paraphrase the quote and then quote the source.
The second type of plagiarism is known as “Copy and paste Plagiarism.” This is the most common type. It is whereby a writer highlights and lifts a sentence from the source and then pastes it in his own work. But this can also be avoided by quoting the source of information.
Then there is what we refer to as “Metaphor Plagiarism.” This occurs where a writer wants to make his idea clearer so that it can be easily understood. His intentions are to touch the senses of the reader. Metaphors usually portray a writer’s creativity in proving his ideas. But if the writer ends up using another writer’s metaphor, then he should give credit to him.
The fourth type of Plagiarism is known as “Style Plagiarism.” As the word suggests, it occurs where the writer copies, without authority, the arrangement of sentence-to-sentence or paragraph-to-paragraph of the works of another Author. It is not necessarily the copying of the exact words or sentences, but the style of the original author. For instance, acknowledged writers usually have a style of arranging their works. If a person copies that style, then that’s plagiarism even if the exact words were not copied.
Lastly we have the “Idea Plagiarism.” It occurs where a writer writes some words or an article that portrays the idea that has already been portrayed by another Author. For instance, if an Author writes about a particular method of doing something or solving a certain problem, then a writer who uses that idea should acknowledge the original Author. Lack of such acknowledgement amounts to Plagiarism.
The most affected people in Plagiarism are those who plagiarize Academic works. These are mostly Scholars and Academicians. Also, people involved in Research work are also affected. But Plagiarism is risky and has vital consequences. People who engage in it only hurt themselves. They deny themselves of the opportunity to hone their personal skills. Students caught plagiarizing also face harsh penalties such as expulsion or denial of their rightful grades. Also in the developed countries such as United Kingdom, plagiarism may result into legal action that judges are ready to impose heavy penalties on.