Being concerned about plagiarism is not uncommon. To reduce this concern there are several ways of ensuring you avoid accidental plagiarism.
Take good notes, i.e. clearly indicate where you’ve got the information from by including full reference information and clearly indicate when your notes are quotes and when you’ve paraphrased (such as using quote marks or different colours).
Include in-text citations in assignments even when you paraphrase
Include a full reference list of all sources that you’ve used in an assignment.
Check your assignment using Turnitin before you submit it. Instructions regarding how to do this at http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/fms/NCTL/Turnitin/Student_submission_to_TII_070311.pdf
Also see...Read more
You need to provide a reference when:
You use information (arguments, ideas, words, theories etc.) from an outside source (such as book or journal).
You quote, i.e. use the exact words
You paraphrase, i.e. put someone else’s ideas in your own...Read more
Writing Consultants can answer your questions about academic writing and study skills or give you feedback on your assignment’s structure, focus, paragraph structure, flow, presentation, use of sources, and referencing.
No appointment needed...Read more
For an essay conclusion, it is usually it is best to structure it as follows:
Recap your answer to the question (i.e. the thesis statement
Summarise the essay’s main/key arguments/points
Outline the significance of you conclusion/the...Read more
StudyUp sessions this week are as follows:
Writing tips: Short, sharp, and to the point – Developing a good academic writing style. Covers writing tips, avoiding sentence trouble, and saying what you mean. Also presents useful editing...Read more
Signposts are words and phrases that tell your reader how different ideas are connected (e.g. however, furthermore, in contrast).
When deciding if you need to use a signpost or which one to use think about how does this point relate to the point in...Read more
StudyUp sessions this week are as follows:
Don’t shout, just argue: Refining the thesis statement and perfecting those paragraphs
Weds 10th August 7:30am
Weds 10th August 12:00pm
Weds 10th August 7:00 pm
Say what? How to read...Read more
For an essay introduction, it is usually it is best to structure it as follows:
a broad introduction to the overall topic the essay question is about.
a statement that narrows down to the area of the topic you’re discussing and links to...Read more
StudyUp sessions this week are as follows:
In your own words: How to avoid plagiarism (What is considered plagiarism at university level, and techniques for explaining the ideas of authors using your own words.
Weds 3rd August 7:30am
Weds 3rd...Read more
If you are having trouble tackling your study (assignments, reading etc.) there are a couple of thing you can do to.
Think about your goals. Why are you studying? Thinking about your goals should help motivate you, especially if your write them...Read more