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Use this checklist to help you avoid plagiarism. Remember that preventing plagiarism starts with critical reading and note-taking. Properly integrating evidence, citing sources, and using plagiarism detection software are also key.

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Quick Tip:

If you are rushing to meet a deadline, you may be more likely to paraphrase or cite ineffectively. Allow yourself ample time to carefully read research material and review your writing for proper citations and references.

  1. Open this checklist in your browser or Download a PDF version that you can print.
  2. Begin using the checklist before you start writing. Avoiding plagiarism begins with the reading and research process.
  3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! If, at any point during the writing process, you have questions about avoiding plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting, or citing sources, reach out to us at writingsupport@mail.waldenu.edu.

Checklist

Here are three steps you can take before, during, and after writing to avoid plagiarism.

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Step 1


As I was researching...

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Step 2


While I was writing...

  • I immediately included citations for all my sources in my paper when I paraphrased or quoted other authors. I did not wait until later to add citations. (Information on citing your sources properly.)
  • I paraphrased by using my own words and sentence structure when I used evidence or ideas that came from other authors. I did not rely on other authors’ words to speak for me. (Advice on paraphrasing effectively.)
  • If I directly quoted a source, I included page numbers and used either block quote style (if over 39 words) or quotation marks (if under 40 words) for those direct quotes. (Advice on integrating direct quotations.)
  • If I used any previous content that I wrote, I made sure it follows Walden’s policy for citing yourself.

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Step 3


After I finished writing...

  • I read through my draft to ensure that all material that came from other sources was clearly and accurately cited.
  • I submitted my work to the Turnitin section of my classroom. (Turnitin tutorial.)
  • I used the Turnitin Originality Report to double check that all words and ideas that were not originally my own had clear citations. (Learn how to Analyze Turnitin Reports to Revise .)



A Writing Process for Avoiding Plagiarism Video




This video provides a visual overview of a writing process for avoiding plagiarism and includes tips for reading critically, note-taking, integrating and citing evidence, and managing your time.


View Video Transcript

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