What counts as plagiarism?

Plagiarism covers more than simply copying and pasting text. Any time you use another person's words, data, or ideas without clear acknowledgement, it may be considered plagiarism.

Examples include:

• Copying text directly without quotation marks or citation.
• Rewording or paraphrasing someone else's work without credit.
• Submitting another person's essay, or parts of it, as your own.
• Reusing your own previously submitted work (self-plagiarism).
• Failing to reference sources properly or at all.

Even small mistakes in referencing can be treated seriously, so it's important to follow your institution's citation rules carefully.