Plagiarism

Directions: Your job is to act as "Plagiarism Police." In the following passages, pick the one that is appropriate and mark why it is acceptable. Then think about the other passages. Mark why you believe they are inappropriate.

1. Original Version "Very often images of protective divinities called 'Mothers,' were found in the vicinity of sacred springs of the Gallo- Roman period. There were generally three figures in such images, but often a single figure could be found: a seated female figure with a child in her lap bearing a striking resemblance to the Virgin of the Medieval period." (from Emile Male's Chartres page 8)

Student Version 1A Images of protective divinities, called "Mothers," were found near the sacred springs. There were three figures in such images, but often a single figure could be found: a seated female figure with a child in her lap, bearing a striking resemblance to the Virgin of the Medieval period.

Student Version 1B Emile Male explains that images of protective gods called "Mothers" were often found near such springs, one of whom, "a seated female figure with a child in her lap, [bears] a striking resemblance to the Virgin of the Medieval period" (8).

Student Version 1C Emile Male points out that images of protective divinities, called "Mothers," were found in the vicinity of sacred springs of the Gallo-Roman period. There were generally three figures in such images, but often a single figure could be found: a seated female figure with a child in her lap, bearing a striking resemblance to the Virgin of the Medieval period (8).

2. Original Version "It is not generally recognized that at the same time when women are making their way into every corner of our work world, only 1% of the professional engineers in the nation are female. A generation ago this statistic would have raised no eyebrows, but today it is hard to believe. The engineering schools, reacting to social and governmental pressures, have opened wide their gates and are recruiting women with zeal. The major corporations, reacting to even more intense pressures, are offering attractive employment opportunities to practically all women with engineering goals. (from Sarah Florman. "Engineering and the Female Mind" Harper's page 30)

Student Version 2A Because women seem to be taking jobs of all kinds, few people realize that only 1% of the professional engineers in the nation are female. A generation ago, this statistic would have raised no eyebrows, but today it is hard to believe. The engineering schools, reacting to social and governmental pressures, have opened wide their gates and are recruiting women with zeal. The major corporations, reacting to even greater pressures, are offering attractive employment opportunities to many women with engineering futures (Florman 30).

Student Version 2B The pressure is on to get more women into engineering. The engineering schools and major corporations have opened wide their gates and are recruiting women zealously. Practically all women engineering graduates can find attractive jobs. Nevertheless, at the moment, only 1% of professional engineers in the work place are female.

Student Version 2C According to Florman, though the pressure is increasing to get more female engineers into the work place, only 1% of the current engineering work-force is female. Florman points out that years ago, this would have surprised no one, but today it seems shocking in light of the increasingly important role of women in the working world. In order to recruit more women into these engineering positions, schools and corporations are, in turn, offering positions which are difficult to refuse (30).

3. Original Version "In thirty-seven states, at the turn of the century, a married woman had no right to her children; they were her husband's property (as were her furniture, jewelry , and other possessions), and he could dispose of them as he wished." (from Peter Gabriel Filene Him, Her, Self: Sex Roles in Modern America page 33).

Student Version 3A According to Peter G. Filene's book, Him, Her, Self: Sex Roles in Modern America, "In thirty-seven states, at the turn of the century, a married woman had no right to her children; they were her husband's property. . . and he could dispose of them as he wished" (33).

Student Version 3B According to Peter Filene, in 1900 a mother did not have any legal right to her own children in thirty-seven states. The children were the property of their father, who "could dispose of them as he wished" (33).

Student Version 3C At the turn of the century, in thirty-seven states, a married woman didn't have any right to her children; they were her husband's property and he could dispose of them as he wished (Filene 33).

1. Do not load your paragraph with too many quotations or with one quotation that is too long. Usually, in paragraphs and essays based upon research, about one-fourth of the writing should be made up of quoted material. In your essays, the opinions and materials belonging to others should probably be kept down to no more than 20% of the total words.

2. Use the materials and opinions of others mainly as support for your ideas, not in place of them. Use your own clear language in preference to quoting dull or ordinary material. A sentence or two of your own to summarize a long or complicated point is often an effective way to offer important information.

3. When using sources, paraphrase as much as possible. Quote only when the writer says it better or more vividly than you can, or when for the sake of evidence you need to present the author's own words.

4. Keep paraphrases and quotations short.

5. Always select material from reliable sources. And whether you quote someone directly or paraphrase the ideas you have read, be certain to name whatever source.

Developed at Kansas State University