Why Is Plagiarism Wrong

Plagiarism is using consecutive words or more from another author and taking the credit for it. Plagiarism is done if a person does not cite where the information was retrieved. Quotations used from different authors or websites should always be cited, so it is clear that the writer recognizes where the source is coming from, otherwise, it is considered plagiarism. The Internet contains a variety of information and “it’s possible to believe this information is just out there for anyone to take” (Gabriel 1). Plagiarism can be from completely copying word for word another person’s work, turning in work that was used for another class, and even changing some words from an outside source and deciding not to cite it because a writer claims its their own work. Writers must correctly quote and cite ideas and words from someone else or their work is considered plagiarized. …show more content…
Every writer should create their own unique work because “when you commit plagiarism, you hurt yourself and the community [by depriving] another author due credit [and showing] disrespect for your peers who have done their own work” (Penn State University). When a writer commits plagiarism, the writer puts themselves at risk for consequences whether it is from a professor or an employer. Taking someone else’s words is stealing, and it is unethical to take credit of another author’s work. It is essential that writers be original and creative with their own words to meet expectations for themselves, their professors, or employers. It is unfair to professors or employers who may value great work, yet find out that the work they have received from their student or employee is not their own. This questions the integrity of that person for the duration of their time at school or the workplace. Plagiarizing can jeopardize a writer’s future opportunities in another class or in the