Section outline

  • Welcome to 'Plagiarism and Essay Writing'.  Here we will look at what plagiarism is, its consequences and how to avoid it.  You will learn Harvard Referencing to avoid plagiarism.  We will look at the requirements of essays, from interpreting the title to using academic language.  You will produce an essay and reference to avoid plagiarism.

    • Session 1

    • Criteria sheet Essay Writing File
    • Plagiarism Criteria File
    • Essay writing and plagiarism course outline File
    • LEARNING PLAN File

      Please download and fill in your learning plan.

    • Session 2

    • What is plagiarism and how can you avoid it?

    • Plagiarism, quoting, paraphrasing File

      See this PowerPoint for a general overview.

    • PowerPoint with information on Plagiarism and referencing File

      Plagiarism PowerPoint -  we will discuss this in class but it could also be useful to look back on for some referencing information.

    • Questions on PowerPoints File

    • Use the link below to access the college page on Harvard referencing, plagiarism and more.

    • NPTC information on plagiarism and referencing URL
    • Look here for lots of resources on referencing and plagiarism URL

      This is a very good resource with excellent detail.  It may be useful for you, but don't feel you need to read through it all now, as it is very detailed and may confuse people.

    • Complete the quiz below and take a screen print of your score.

    • Plagiarism quiz by TurnItIn URL

      !!NOTE: This quiz sometimes won't work directly from the link.  If you have problems copy and paste the web address.  Highlight and choose 'copy', then open Google (or another search engine) and paste it into the address bar.  The quiz will then work.

    • Upload your screen print of your quiz results here. Assignment

    • Session 3 

    • Defining what is meant by 'common knowledge'.

    • Common knowledge File

      Read through the explanation of 'common knowledge'.  We will discuss this in the session.  You will need to  give an explanation of what is accepted as common knowledge in  academic organisations.

    • Common knowledge 2 File

      Look at the statements on this page.  One of them is accepted as 'common knowledge', the other is the author's own findings / theory.  Try to think of some examples of your own.

    • Plagiarism Assignment File

      !! Plagiarism - Assignment.

      Please download the assignment sheet. Save it with your name included.  Note: you may have to enable editing. 

      We will review the criteria that have already been covered, other criteria will be covered in future sessions.

      You will need to answer the questions in full sentences / paragraphs.  Please read the extra notes on what to include in each question.

    • Session 4 - layout and language of academic essays.  

    • Video on academic writing URL

      Watch this video on academic writing.  It is a bit long, but is very clear and straightforward. You may find it useful to watch a bit at a time.   Take some notes about what is expected in an academic piece of writing.  We will discuss these as a group.

    • Guide to the 'do's' and 'don'ts' of essay writing URL

      Look at this website.  List some of the things to do, and NOT to do when writing an academic essay.

    • Using 'impersonal' language. File
    • suggested re-writes. File
    • Identify the emotive terms File

      Identify the emotive terms in the sentences.  Choose less emotive / less biased words to replace them.

    • Online practice for changing statements into a more academic style. URL

      Practise using a more academic style. This resource gives a very good overview and lots of examples.

      Read through the text and take the quizzes. There are six 'TASKS' to complete. 

    • Session 5 - evaluating websites for use as sources.

    • Video on 'reliable sources'. URL

      When researching for academic work, it is important that you use reliable sources.  Watch the short video for a general guide on how to decide if material is a good resource to use.  This video also runs in to a guide to note taking, which is useful generally.

    • poster on what to consider when choosing information. File

    • How to evaluate a website / webpage. File

      Read the information on how to evaluate material that you may find online.  We will discuss the points in class.  The exercise will be done in class time and discussed.

    • Session 6 

      This is a review session.  Please complete the 'Review 1' in your learning plan and upload.  We will discuss progress and any issues in class time (one-to-one chats will be available).  

    • Review Assignment

      Please upload your review here.

    • Session 7    Referencing. 

      Review - why reference? What details are needed for referencing? NOTE: we will be concentrating on how to reference from books and websites. 

      How to find the information needed in a reference.  How to use the information when writing an essay.

    • Referencing. Where to find details needed, how to use. File

      See this PowerPoint for where to find the details needed for references and how they are used.