Home | Article Marketing | Writing Tips
The definition of plagiarism is simple: the act of taking someone else's work and claiming authorship of it. Most college students don't commit plagiarism because they are lazy, stupid, or devious. They do so because they are desperate. It's 11:23 p.m., and that huge paper is due at 8:30 in the morning. When a Google search reveals lots of great information that would fit right in, it suddenly feels like such a relief! Or when the neighbor down the hall who got in an A on the paper last year comes by and mercifully offers to download her masterpiece, snatching it up gratefully seems like an ideal solution. Unfortunately, both of these actions are easy to catch – and could result in a failing grade, academic probation, or even expulsion. Professors aren't stupid, and if some of the phrases in that paper don't sound like they were written by a college student, a simple Google search will reveal the source. Or when the professor tries to remember why that argument in the paper sounds so familiar, a simple glance through last year's papers is all that's needed. And even if the professor doesn't catch the plagiarism, the student knows she's compromised her values. So, what are the alternatives to plagiarism? The alternatives aren't necessarily easy. Nonetheless, considering the consequences of plagiarism, all in all these aren't so bad. Alternative to Plagiarism #1: Ask for a Deadline Extension Learning to deal with college paper deadlines is an important part of learning the discipline needed for the workplace. However, even the best college students sometimes have trouble with deadlines, and professors know this. Asking for an extension might be a good alternative to turning in something that's thrown together at the last minute, and is certainly a better option than plagiarism. If at all possible, ask for a deadline extension as early as possible. A student who politely requests an extension two weeks before the paper is due is demonstrating professionalism, and he just might get what he needs. If this is not possible, just 'fess up and admit the paper isn't done, and ask if an extension is possible. Be apologetic but professional. Alternative to Plagiarism #2: Pull an All Nighter Papers that are written overnight at the last minute are rarely masterpieces, and this is definitely not a good habit. Nonetheless, even the best students sometimes run out of time and options. The best option might be simply to sit down and write the paper until it's done in the morning. Here's where available resources that could be used for plagiarism can be used honestly. If that friend down the hall has an A paper from last year, spend a few minutes looking at it. Pay attention to how the paper is structured and how she responded to the assignment. If an Internet search pulls up useful ideas, use these ideas as a start, and cite them in the paper. Here are some tips on how to pull an all nighter. Alternative to Plagiarism #3: Take a Lateness Penalty If an extension without penalty isn't possible, see if it's possible to turn in the paper late for a lower grade. Many professors have lateness penalties spelled out in the syllabus. For example, a professor might accept a paper up to two days late at a penalty of a 10 point deduction per day. Realistically, this may result in a higher grade than an all nighter, and it certainly beats plagiarism. Use lateness penalties sparingly. Students who turn papers in late regularly do not make a good impression. Nonetheless, lateness penalties can serve as a much needed safety net. Be sure to thank the professor for the opportunity to turn the paper in late. All of these options require a student to "man up" (or "woman up"?) and accept the fact that a lesser grade might be in store. Nonetheless, painful as that lower grader might be, it doesn't come with the risks or ethical concerns of plagiarism. The resulting paper might not be the greatest, but it's self-authored, and that's something a student can be proud of.
Article Source: http://www.seoserviceprovider.com/articles
online essay
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
