Understand the two types of plagiarism: blatant and inadvertent. Blatant plagiarism is knowingly using someone else's words or ideas without giving the author proper credit. For example, copying and pasting information from an online article into your own paper or article without using quotation marks and providing a reference to the original article is blatant plagiarism. Other types of blatant plagiarism include purchasing a paper from an online paper mill or from another student, using generic papers written by someone else (sometimes fraternities and sororities will keep files of such papers), and even recycling a paper that you had written for another purpose. Many people are surprised to find out this is plagiarism, but unless you have permission to do this, you are actually plagiarizing yourself. Instructors refer to this practice as "double dipping."
Recognize that inadvertent plagiarism comes from misunderstanding plagiarism and from failing to review your writing. Many people believe that it is enough to simply put a phrase or sentence into their own words to avoid the charge of plagiarism; however, this simply is not true. Rewriting or rephrasing someone else's words is called paraphrasing and still requires that you give credit to the original author. Inadvertent plagiarism also occurs if you forget to use quotation marks or to provide a reference for any words or ideas you use that are not your own.
Avoid plagiarism by taking careful notes when researching and writing. Keep a list of all of the works you consult, and include the title of the work, the author of the work and the specific page number on which you found the information. Many people find it helpful to use index cards for each source used. There are also many computer programs and resources that can help you keep track of this type of information, such as Refworks, Endnote and Easycite.
Include quotation marks while compiling your research and in your writing, as well as a reference to where you found your information. You should have a reference each time you use someone else's words or ideas, whether it is a direct quotation or a paraphrase. The reference should include the author and title of the work you are using as well as the page number. There are various guidelines for how to format references; use the format specific to your field or class.
Do not provide a reference for facts and information that are common knowledge, for example, "George Washington was the first president of the United States." Remember, however, that common knowledge means common to a general audience. It is often better to have a reference when you are unsure of whether or not it is common knowledge than to not have one and risk being accused of plagiarism.
Proofread your written work carefully to make sure that you have not left out quotation marks or forgotten a reference.