Academic Writing Skills Quiz

What is the definition of plagiarism?

• Using someone else's ideas with permission

• Creating original work without citing sources

• Copying and borrowing original ideas without consent

• Summarizing research papers accurately

Answer explanation

Plagiarism involves taking someone else's work, ideas, or intellectual property and presenting it as your own without giving proper credit to the original source. This can include copying text, ideas, images, or data without permission and without acknowledging the source, which is considered unethical and can have serious consequences in both academic and professional settings.

Which type of plagiarism involves copying and pasting from different sources to create a 'new' paper?

• Direct Plagiarism

• Self Plagiarism

• Mosaic Plagiarism

• Accidental Plagiarism

Answer explanation

Mosaic plagiarism, also known as patchwriting, occurs when someone copies and pastes pieces of text from various sources and combines them to create a new document. This type of plagiarism often involves slight modifications to the copied text but fails to properly credit the original sources. It is considered plagiarism because it presents the borrowed material as the writer's original work.

Why do students plagiarize according to the text?

What is the purpose of in-text citations?

• To confuse the reader

• To summarize the main points of the text

• To provide minimal details for the reader to find the source

• To list all references at the end of the document

Answer explanation

In-text citations serve the purpose of giving credit to the original sources of information and ideas used in a document. They provide just enough details, such as the author's last name and the publication year, so that readers can locate the full reference in the bibliography or works cited section at the end of the document. This practice helps to avoid plagiarism, supports the credibility of the writer, and allows readers to verify and further explore the cited sources.

How should students avoid plagiarism when using someone else's ideas?

• Include a reference page at the beginning

• Use the ideas as is without any changes

• Avoid citing sources altogether

• Summarize the original material in their own words

Answer explanation

Students can avoid plagiarism by paraphrasing or summarizing the original material in their own words while still giving proper credit to the original source. This involves understanding the source material, rephrasing it in a new and original way, and including an in-text citation and a full reference in the bibliography. Properly citing sources acknowledges the original authors and maintains academic integrity.

What is the purpose of a reference list?

• To confuse the reader about the sources used

• To include detailed information about the author

• To number all the references in the document

• To provide a list of sources used in the document

Answer explanation

The purpose of a reference list is to provide a comprehensive list of all the sources that were cited or referenced in the document. This allows readers to locate and verify the original sources of information, ensures that proper credit is given to the original authors, and supports the credibility and scholarly integrity of the work. Each entry in the reference list typically includes detailed information about the source, such as the author, title, publication date, and other relevant details needed for readers to find the source.

How should students reference an article in a journal?

• Include only the title of the article

• Provide the author's surname and date of publication

• List the volume number and page numbers of the contribution

• Use the Harvard referencing system

Answer explanation

Students should reference an article in a journal by using a proper citation style, which is the Harvard referencing system (in Walter Sisulu University). This system requires specific details to be included in the reference, such as the author's surname and initials, the year of publication, the title of the article, the title of the journal, the volume number, and the page numbers. This comprehensive information ensures that readers can accurately locate the original source. An example of a Harvard reference for a journal article is:

Kosiki, SM. (2024). Title of the article. Journal Name, 15(3), pp. 45-58.

What is the correct format for referencing an online text or website?

What is the consequence of self-plagiarism?

How can students cite their own work to avoid self-plagiarism?