Memo
To: Dustin Freymiller
From: Shawna Ellis
Date: August 28, 2014

Re: Plagiarism
In your professional work, school, or personal life it is important to use your own words and ideas. Plagiarism also involves using charts, graphs, and photos from other sources besides your own. The definition of Plagiarism is, “using others’ ideas and words without clearly acknowledging the source of that information.” If you are unable to put something in your own words, it is more affluent that you put the information in quotations and give proper credit to the person, website, book or magazine, as I have done so above. The best way to avoid plagiarism is to do your research first, then critically think about the information, and finally write about the …show more content…
You can ask any college or university what they consider about plagiarism and they will tell you that they have zero tolerance. The reasoning for this is because students should be there to learn and not copy and paste other people’s information. In an academic setting your punishment could be any of the following: suspended, expelled, and/or your academic records may be penalized. If you participate in plagiarism on the legal end your punishment maybe far worse. Plagiarism dealing with money, jobs, and rewards is considered breaking the law. The penalties can be anything from a fine to time in jail to a felony.
Plagiarism can be avoided in all cases. Once you have an understanding what plagiarism consist of you will be less likely to plagiarize other material. Secondly have an understanding and knowledge of what you will be writing about. Thirdly, be able to put that information into your own thoughts and then writings. Next, make sure you properly quote and reference the sources you need to. Lastly, if you are ever in doubt that you might have plagiarized someone else’s work, give those statements proper