- the work submitted or presented was done, in whole or in part, by an individual other than the student being assessed
- parts of the work are taken from another source without reference to an original author/s.
Whether the plagiarism is deliberate or accidental, the penalty can be severe. At university level, students found to have plagiarised in assessment receive either a failing grade for the work, a failing grade for the subject or are suspended until a decision is made on the student's future in the course. Similar penalties can apply at a school level, particularly in senior school courses.
Plagiarism or copying information and pretending it is your work is lazy, unethical and illegal!
Several factors can tempt or trap a student into plagiarism:
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ignorance of what plagiarism is and how it can be avoided - ignorance is no excuse. Now you know what it is, use these resources to learn how to avoid plagiarism.
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insufficient resources for the assignments topic - re-think your topic and/or seek help from your friendly teacher librarian with your searching skills.
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several assessment pieces due at same or similar time - look to your time management skills; schedule the demands on your time, plan ahead e.g. use an online calendar; negotiate with your teachers before the due date.
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you have left it all to the last minute - there is only one possible solution - start tasks straight away, no excuses!
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lack of understanding of the topic, or assessment task - clarify requirements with your teacher asap.
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the assignment seems too difficult - seek help from your teacher and friendly teacher librarian.
Use these links for further help:
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All My Own Work A great, user-friendly site, specifically designed to help senior students use information ethically and appropriately.
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Guidelines for students conducting ethical research in the SACE