Introduction

Plagiarism is described as the habit of copy-pasting other peoples’ written work, word by word or even paragraphs without attributing its source. Ideas and words are intellectual properties that need to be owned by specific persons. Therefore, it is offensive to use them without the owner’s accord rudely. In reality, to have someone’s physical property calls for their authorization. Similarly, intellectual works would as well require attribution of the owner of the item. Citation has been used in scores of occasions in aid to avoid plagiarism in writing where writers identify the precise source of ideas or even specific words in their paperwork.

Causes of Plagiarism

Many students have not clearly understood the plagiarism concept, and so they tend to be afraid of unconscious plagiarism when handling the research work that they claim to be their ideas. Some factors have contributed to piracy. Laziness, lack of self-motivation and ignorance by learners are the critical causes of plagiarism (Eret, at all, 2014).  Availability of research materials on the internet with easy access has increasingly discouraged thinking, where students copy the very information directly for their coursework. Nevertheless, inadequate educational systems which are geared to the passing of exams rather than impartation of knowledge prove to be another cause of plagiarism.

Effects of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is accorded with many consequences; for instance; students guilty of cheating in their researches may be subjected to severe punishments or be expelled out of school. Plagiarism is also punishable by fining those who practiced it concerning set rules on copying. Generally, plagiarism is not only punishable, but also it has extensively contributed to the production of poor and unqualified field personnel who are not productive in their area of specialization (Akter, 2016). Punishment as a result of plagiarism may damage the reputation a worker and consequently, may develop a sense of no confidence with an employer. Fake documents as a result of plagiary may not give the required self-esteem to face interviews geared to employment. Moreover, plagiarism may generally spoil the whole academic systems where learners get what they genuinely don’t deserve.

Remedies to Plagiarism

Several mechanisms have been exercised by researchers and writers, to avoid plagiarism. The following are some of the ways used to avoid plagiarism; quoting of information, paraphrasing and citing among other remedies. Creativity and creative thinking are highly recommended in paperwork concerning facts and honest expression of ideas to come up with quality research work. General knowledge plays a significant role in the formulation of interesting paperwork. Hence, emphases should be put on it (Guraya, at all, 2017).

Conclusion

Plagiarism, being punishable and generally treacherous to our academic fields, students should be aggravated towards the achievement of knowledge and not passing of exams. Proper time management should be emphasized to avoid pressures in approach to academic work and family member. Nevertheless, education systems should be transformed to allow for appropriate guidance to learners by a trained and qualified teacher to motivate them for future paperwork.

References

Akter, T. (2016). Exploring the Forms, Causes, and Remedies of Plagiarism in the Academic Writing of Graduate Students in the Private Universities in Bangladesh (Doctoral dissertation, East West University).

Eret, E., & Ok, A. (2014). Internet plagiarism in higher education: tendencies, triggering factors and reasons among teacher candidates. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 39(8), 1002-1016.

Guraya, S. Y., & Guraya, S. S. (2017). The confounding factors leading to plagiarism in academic writing and some suggested remedies: A systematic review.