Avoiding Plagiarism: Citing Correctly in 5 Simple Rules

Plagiarism usually happens not on purpose, but out of ignorance or time pressure. Yet citing correctly is no secret science. These five rules cover 95 % of all cases.

1. Every borrowed idea gets a source

As soon as a thought is not your own, it needs a citation — whether quoted word for word or put into your own words.

2. Direct quotes in quotation marks

If you take over wording verbatim, it goes in quotation marks together with a page reference. Use them sparingly — too many direct quotes come across as a lack of independent thinking.

3. Paraphrase means genuinely rewording

A paraphrase is more than a few swapped words. Render the idea in your own structure — and still cite the source.

4. One consistent citation style

Whether APA, Harvard or a national standard: pick one style and apply it consistently throughout. Inconsistent references are a common reason for losing marks.

5. Before submission: a plagiarism check

A plagiarism check before you hand in gives you certainty and uncovers accidental borrowings.

Academically clean means: traceable. Anyone who cites cleanly makes their work verifiable — and that is exactly what examiners want to see.

Our subject specialists deliver every sample document cleanly cited and plagiarism-checked — as a reliable point of reference for your own work.