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Avoiding plagiarism

Illustration of a person holding a newspaper looking through a magnifying glass.

Plagiarism is a form of cheating and a serious violation of good academic practice. Because plagiarism may lead to disciplinary action, such as a warning or suspension, you need to learn how to handle your sources correctly. This page provides information on what is regarded as plagiarism and how it can be avoided.

What is plagiarism?

Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s ideas, texts, data, or graphics as your own. You may be suspected of plagiarism when:

  • Paraphrasing or quoting a source without providing a citation
  • Quoting a source directly without indicating that it is a quotation
  • Pretending to paraphrase and cite a source while really using most of the source text as it is, by switching around words, phrases or sentences, removing some words, or substituting a few words for synonyms. This is known as patchwriting: instead of focusing on the content of the sources you use and how these fit into your text, you have focused on reformulating your source material.
  • Directly translating from another language without indicating that it is a quotation.
  • Submitting someone else’s text as your own.
  • Submitting the same text or parts of a text for different examinations, without your lecturers’ approval. This is called self-plagiarism and is also regarded as cheating. 

Students often unintentionally handle their sources incorrectly. This may happen because they rush to complete an assignment, have insufficient knowledge of paraphrasing and citation techniques, are uncertain about what is regarded as plagiarism, or have too little confidence in their subject knowledge and writing abilities.

How do I avoid plagiarism?

Learning how to use sources correctly is a vital part of all university studies. It is your responsibility to acknowledge sources correctly and according to the traditions of the subjects you study.

Academic texts account for or add to previous knowledge on a topic. It is therefore essential that you are careful and clear when handling and citing your sources. Here are some tips:

  • Plan your writing, so that you can finish your assignment on time.
  • Practise summarising the literature you read. Note down similarities to and differences from other literature in your subject. Consider how your reading fits into your earlier knowledge or experience.
  • Remember that you must produce your own texts according to the instructions provided by your lecturers. Use sources to fulfil the aim of the assignment you have been given.
  • Never copy complete paragraphs or sentences from your sources. Focus instead on finding the central idea of a paragraph, chapter, or text. Note down central concepts and keywords and base your paraphrase on these.
  • Always cite sources when you quote or paraphrase to acknowledge the originator of the ideas you use.
  • Graphics and tables are protected by copyright and special rules apply if you want to use them in your texts.
  • Use quotation marks (inverted commas) for short quotations and present longer quoted passages as blocks.
  • Learn by paying attention to how sources are used in your reading material. Note how sources are introduced and cited, how different voices are distinguished in a text (how do you know if an idea comes from another source or is the author’s own?), and where citations are placed.
  • Always note down the source of your information. You can also choose to use reference management software.
  • Use your own earlier texts as you would any other sources to avoid self-plagiarism.
  • Visit our drop-in, book an individual tutoring session or contact the Academic Writing Centre if you have further questions about avoiding plagiarism.

Creme, P., & Lea, M. R. (2008). Writing at University: A Guide for Students. McGraw-Hill.

Foltýnek, T., et al. (2020). How to Avoid Plagiarism: Student Handbook. Karolinum.

Johnson, A. P. (2016). Academic Writing: Process and Product. Rowman & Littlefield.

Örebro University uses Ouriginal text-matching software (previously Urkund) to prevent plagiarism. This online system is used by all departments to check submitted theses, essays, reports, and other written assignments. Ouriginal compares submitted student texts to internet sources, certain databases, previously submitted student texts and some published material. The aim is to trace any similarities and give lecturers documentation for assessing student texts.

You are given instructions on using Ouriginal in your courses.

Students suspected of plagiarism are reported to the disciplinary committee for investigation. For more information on how an investigation works and what you are allowed to do during an ongoing disciplinary investigation, see the university’s page on cheating and disciplinary measures.

Refero – Anti-Plagiarism Tutorial (Blekinge Institute of Technology and Linnaeus University)
Choosing and Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research (University Libraries, The Ohio State University)
How to Recognize Plagiarism (tutorials and tests, Indiana University)