Introduction

Plagiarism is one of the most serious issues in the academic world, as it is not only a violation of ethical rules but also undermines the credibility and integrity of the author. The term originates from the Latin word plagiarius, meaning “kidnapper,” and was first used to describe the act of appropriating someone else’s work without proper acknowledgment. Historically, plagiarism appeared strongly in Europe during the 18th century, within the context of the Romantic movement, and it continues to be a complex matter today, as it is linked both to academic progress and professional reliability. The practice is universally considered unacceptable because it represents a violation of intellectual property rights, which are legally protected.

Definition and Forms of Plagiarism

Plagiarism occurs when someone uses words, ideas, theories, or works of others without citing the source, thus presenting them as their own. The most common form is word-for-word copying of a text without any citation. However, plagiarism also includes partial paraphrasing of sentences or paragraphs when the writer retains the essence of another’s text and presents it as their own thought. Another common case is the translation of foreign texts without reference to the original source, which is often overlooked by students or researchers. Structural plagiarism appears when the organization of a work remains the same as the original, even if the wording has been changed. An important concept is also self-plagiarism, which occurs when the same work is submitted in more than one course or when material is recycled without new research. Moreover, plagiarism is not limited to texts but also includes the use of images, videos, audio files, tables, or diagrams without proper citation.

Factors that Encourage Plagiarism

The spread of the internet and the immediacy of access to information have made plagiarism more frequent. Many students and researchers succumb to it due to lack of time, poor time management, or insufficient writing skills. In addition, a lack of understanding of intellectual property rights contributes to the persistence of this phenomenon. Studies suggest that attitudes toward plagiarism may vary between genders, with women often showing greater sensitivity and disapproval compared to men. However, plagiarism is not merely an issue of ethical choice but also of practical circumstances that push students toward easy solutions.

Checking Plagiarism

Today, plagiarism detection is carried out mainly through specialized software. The most well-known is Turnitin, which compares the text of a paper with an extensive database including academic articles, books, online sources, and previously submitted student papers. The process produces an originality report that shows the percentage of matching text and highlights the parts that correspond to other sources. The tool indicates the matched segments and provides the original source, allowing instructors to judge whether the similarity is intentional plagiarism or an honest mistake. It is important to note that the software does not determine whether intellectual property has been violated but instead supports the evaluation process.

Acceptable Percentage of Plagiarism

There is no universally accepted percentage of plagiarism, as thresholds vary depending on the institution and type of work. Generally, a percentage around 15% to 20% is considered acceptable, while in technical or scientific fields, where paraphrasing is more difficult, the percentage may rise to 30% or even 35%. In dissertations or theses, however, the limits are usually stricter, which makes consultation with the supervising professor essential.

Consequences of Plagiarism

The consequences of plagiarism are serious and affect both the student or researcher committing it and the person whose work is stolen. In academia, a student may face a grade of zero on an assignment, failure in a course, or even expulsion from the institution. In the professional sphere, plagiarism damages credibility, can lead to job loss, and may permanently stain a person’s career. For the victim, the feelings of disappointment and injustice are intense, and they often waste valuable time and energy defending their intellectual property.

How to Avoid Plagiarism

Avoiding plagiarism is possible when the writer works methodically and responsibly. Proper referencing of all sources, according to the citation style required by the institution (APA, Harvard, etc.), is the primary way to prevent it. Equally important is starting research and writing early enough to allow time for understanding the material and developing a personal point of view. Paraphrasing should be done carefully, expressing the essence in one’s own words while still citing the original author. Keeping a complete bibliography list, even of sources not ultimately used, helps reduce the risk of forgetting an important reference.

Conclusion

Plagiarism is not a minor mistake but a serious academic and ethical offense that should never be treated lightly. It affects the quality of education, the credibility of research, and can have long-term consequences for both the perpetrator and the victim. By adopting a responsible attitude toward writing, using proper citation practices, and making use of detection tools, plagiarism can be avoided. Cultivating academic integrity and commitment to intellectual honesty is the foundation for producing high-quality and reliable scholarly work.