Understanding intellectual property and avoiding plagiarism

In some cultures, copying and memorizing texts is a highly valued activity. Using the exact words of scholars in your own writing can be a way of honoring what those scholars have said. In the United States, however, the exact language, images, and original ideas contained in any published work are considered intellectual property, which is protected as if it were physical property.

In an academic paper, you are expected to incorporate information and ideas from your sources into your writing. That source material is the intellectual property of its author or publisher, and you must acknowledge your use of that property by following standard academic practices, referred to as citing your sources. Even if you do not intend to cheat or steal, you commit a type of theft known as plagiarism if you do not properly cite your sources.

You can take proper steps as you research, draft, and revise your papers:

Related topics:

Asserting your claim before providing evidence

Taking a stand on an issue

Including details that support the main idea

Sample student essay

Managing information; avoiding plagiarism