Writing Manual & Sea King Capstone - Palos Verdes High School

Anti-Plagiarism
Important Information to Remember
• Document all information from other sources, which includes direct quotations and
paraphrases, as well as ideas gained from these sources. However, there is some
information referred to as public domain, or common knowledge, which does not need
documentation. Examples of public domain include well-known phrases or proverbs such
as, “What goes around comes around.” It also consists of such common knowledge as,
“George Washington was the first President of the United States.” However, be cautious.
If there is any doubt, about whether something is public domain or not, it is best to cite it.
• If information includes numbers, cite it. Double-check the information for accuracy.
• The pulp tabloids (i.e., National Enquirer, Star) demonstrate that just because
information is in print, does not mean it is true. Also, be sure to check the validity of
information from the Internet. Anyone can write anything and put it online.
• Double-check any questionable or controversial information.
• It is less likely to use another author’s words when more sources are available. Additional
sources give enough information to:
1. Realize that different sources give different data
2. Make comparisons and contrasts
3. Make connections between different pieces of information
4. Draw conclusions
• The less research information available makes it more difficult to write about the research
topic. Therefore, when relying on fewer sources, it may lead into plagiarism.
Document all information from primary and secondary sources
Primary sources include:
• Personal interviews (in person, on the phone, and online)
• Surveys
• Notes
• A work of literature
• An autobiography
Secondary sources include:
• Textbooks
• Articles
• Reference books
• Literary criticism
• Any writing discussing any primary source
34