Plagiarism is defined as stealing somebody’s work or idea. There are many forms of the practice, but it is important to note that in some cultures copying something is used as a means to learn the great works of a society. In the US, we are all taught the Constitution or the Pledge of Allegiance. We are taught to memorize some of the great statements of world leaders and thinkers. But plagiarism is completely different. It is the act of taking a work – written or artistic, a product or anything else that someone has created.
While a common practice here, plagiarism is actually a punishable offense. Every school and company in the west considers plagiarism equivalent to lying about your original thought. The same can be said for using agents to write essays or complete applications for students. If the student did not do it, it is plagiarism.
While a common practice here, plagiarism is actually a punishable offense. Every school and company in the west considers plagiarism equivalent to lying about your original thought. The same can be said for using agents to write essays or complete applications for students. If the student did not do it, it is plagiarism.
The main issue is that plagiarism is not a proper or accepted behavior. In college, the punishment is expulsion from the university while for a corporation the consequence of plagiarism can result in a lawsuit. But plagiarism is wrong for more reasons than just the fact that it is unaccepted behavior. It is basically stealing from someone else and using that material – essays in the case of students, to appear better.
Colleges and universities in the US and around the world are concerned about the practice that students in this part of the world engage in and they are seeking ways to minimize the practice. The problem is that those who plagiarize are employing different techniques to pass off unoriginal work.
As an educational consultant who helps students get into university and boarding schools around the world, I always worry about how much help I should or can give my students. I know that I cannot write or rewrite their essays. Technically speaking, I should only be making comments on the direction of their essays, not editing out spelling, word usage, or grammar mistakes. If I totally rewrite something a student has awkwardly stated to be clearer, is that student plagiarizing me when they submit their essays to the schools they are applying to? Tough question. What is the correct level or amount of editing?
As I mentioned, I know what I cannot do – write their essay for them. I know that I can try to teach them about the nuances of English and help them see how to improve the quality and depth of their written work. I can make some critical grammar or word use corrections. I know that I can delete phrases that either have no meaning or detract from the content of their efforts. I try my best to maintain a healthy boundary of teaching, learning, and correcting.
Let’s put this simply – don’t pretend to be someone you are not. Great advice I know, but by accepting that, you are also accepting the fact that you might not receive the results you expect. However, you may get what you need.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Hamilton Gregg is the founder of International Educational Consulting and has worked in education since 1985. He helps students and their families understand their personal and educational needs and find the right school to meet their requirements. If you are a student or parent who would like to ask Gregg a question on our blog, please email hsgregg45@gmail.com
