- English Language Arts and Reading
- Grade 5
- Inquiry and research
differentiate between paraphrasing and plagiarism when using source materials;
Provide small groups with a short informational text and five teacher-created index cards with information pulled from the text. Some cards should illustrate appropriate paraphrasing, and some should illustrate plagiarized text. Have students identify which index cards indicate plagiarism and which are examples of appropriate paraphrasing. Review the correct answers with the class, and then have students rewrite the plagiarized examples by paraphrasing the information instead.
This assessment requires students to understand the difference between plagiarizing and paraphrasing text. Students should understand the reason for paraphrasing when doing research, in addition to the seriousness of plagiarism. Students must apply knowledge of how to paraphrase text when taking notes.
1. Driscoll, D. L., & Braze, A. (2010). Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing. The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/using_research/quoting_paraphrasing_and_summarizing/index.html
Summary: This handout is intended to help with the uses of and distinctions among quotations, paraphrases, and summaries. This handout compares and contrasts the three terms, gives some pointers, and includes a short excerpt that can be used to practice these skills.
2. Thomas, E., & Sassi, K. (2011). An ethical dilemma: Talking about plagiarism and academic integrity in the digital age. The English Journal, 100(6), 47-53. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?eferer=&httpsredir=1&article=1004&context=coe_ted
Summary: This article addresses the ongoing discussion about plagiarism and academic integrity in the digital age. Fictional scenarios are provided to engage students in the discussion. The article provides guidelines to frame the discussion about academic honestly and scholarship.
3. Goodwin, J. (2017). What's the difference between quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing? Essay Writing. Retrieved from https://magoosh.com/pro-writing/quoting-paraphrasing-and-summarizing/
Summary: This is an online resource that can be easily used by teachers and students for access to writing strategies and tools.
4. Evering. L. C., & Moorman, G. (2012). Rethinking plagiarism in the digital age. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 56(1), 35–44. doi:10.1002/JAAL.00100
Summary: As the digital age continues to evolve, the concept of plagiarism becomes more complex. The purpose of this article is to propose difficult questions centered on plagiarism, its definition and strategies to prevent plagiarism. This work is applicable for all levels.
5. Pearson, N. G. (2011). Classrooms that discourage plagiarism and welcome technology. English Journal, 100(6), 54–59.
Summary: In this article, students are introduced to plagiarism and explore reasons that students find this as the primary approach to writing. Issues such as intellectual property and how to better prepare for academic writing that demonstrates students' knowledge and comprehension of the grade-level expectations. It is important to know how to use your own words.
6. Hussain, F., Al-Shaibani, G. K. S., & Mahfoodh, O. H. A. (2017). Perceptions of and attitudes toward plagiarism and factors contributing to plagiarism: A review of studies. Journal of Academic Ethics, 15, 167-195. doi:10.1007/s10805-017-9274-1
Summary: Information technology has both pros and cons. In this article, students discuss and define plagiarism. The study reveals the attitudes that contribute to plagiarism and students' perception of plagiarism. The study also include various forms of plagiarism that are commonly committed. Additional research areas are suggested.