HOW TO AVOID PLAGIARISM!

Taking Notes

Taking good notes is a vital step in the research process.  It helps you understand what you are reading and also helps you avoid plagiarism in your assignments.

Good notes:

• provide complete bibliographic information;

• include page #s (if available)

• are in point form;

• are brief & concise - limit amount of writing;

• contain only important info - facts/stats/definitions, etc.;

• use symbols, abbreviations, lists, 'text speak'

• use your own words to express the information;

• are organized - with headings & sub-headings

As you take notes, constantly refer back to the original source to ensure that you are not copying word for word.  Place quotation marks around any phrases that you have copied from the original.