Plagiarism can occur both intentionally and unintentionally. While some instances of plagiarism result from a deliberate attempt to present someone else's work as one's own, others stem from misunderstanding, poor academic practices, or insufficient awareness of citation rules. There are simple steps you can take to make sure that you avoid any form of plagiarism: 

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Step 1: Understand Plagiarism
Familiarize yourself with what constitutes plagiarism, including direct copying, paraphrasing without proper attribution, and submitting someone else's work as your own.

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Step 2: Cite Sources Properly
Learn and consistently use the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) for your discipline. Make sure to cite all sources, including direct quotes, paraphrased information, and ideas.

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Step 3: Make Accurate Notes
When conducting research, record the source, author, publication date, and page number for each piece of information. This ensures you have the necessary details for accurate citations.

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Step 4: Use Quotations and Practice Effective Paraphrasing
When directly quoting a source, use quotation marks and provide the correct citation. This indicates that the words are not your own. When paraphrasing, rephrase the information in your own words and sentence structure. Compare your paraphrased version with the original to ensure it is sufficiently different.

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Step 5: Manage Your Time
Avoid the temptation to rush assignments. Proper time management allows you to conduct thorough research, critically engage with the material, and produce original work.

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Step 6: Seek Guidance
If you are unsure about how to cite a source or if you are incorporating information correctly, consult with your instructor, or writing center staff for guidance. We are always here to help!

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By adopting these steps and consistently practicing ethical research and writing habits, you can effectively avoid plagiarism and contribute to a culture of academic integrity.