QUOTATIONS – CITATIONS – PLAGIARISM

1. Quotations

Definition: A quotation is when you directly use someone else's exact words in your work. This
could be a phrase, sentence, or paragraph. Quotations are marked by quotation marks and
should always be attributed to the original source.

Techniques and Steps:

 Select relevant parts: Only quote what is directly relevant to your point.
 Use quotation marks: Place the quoted words within quotation marks.
 Attribute the source: Include a citation immediately after the quote (author’s name, year,
page number if applicable).
 Introduce the quotation: Provide context to the quote, explaining who said it and why it’s
relevant.

What to Avoid:

 Overuse of quotations: Relying too heavily on quotations can dilute your original voice.
 Lack of explanation: Don’t just drop in a quote without explaining how it supports your
point.
 Changing the quote: Don’t alter the original words in a quotation; if you need to, use
brackets [ ] to show modifications for clarity.

Example:

 In discussing social behavior, Smith (2020) states, “Humans are inherently social beings,
seeking connection from early development” (p. 42).

2. Citations

Definition: A citation is a reference to the original source of information, ideas, or data used in
your work. Citations are required whenever you use someone else’s work, whether it’s through
direct quotation, paraphrasing, or summarizing.

Techniques and Steps:

 Follow citation style: Use the required format (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) for in-text citations
and the bibliography.
 Include all necessary details: Author’s name, publication year, title, publisher, and page
number (if applicable).
 Provide a reference list: At the end of your work, include a full list of all cited sources.

What to Avoid:

 Missing citations: Not giving credit to the source, even for paraphrased ideas, is considered
plagiarism.
 Incorrect format: Using the wrong citation style can lead to confusion and mistakes.
 Inaccurate information: Double-check that author names, dates, and page numbers are
accurate.

Example:

 In-text citation (APA): (Smith, 2020, p. 42).

 Reference list: Smith, J. (2020). The Social Mind: Human Behavior in Modern Society.
Academic Press.

3. Plagiarism

Definition: Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work, ideas, or expressions as your own
without proper acknowledgment. It can occur intentionally or unintentionally and is a serious
academic offense.

Techniques and Steps to Avoid Plagiarism:

 Use quotations and citations: When using someone else's words or ideas, always provide a
citation.
 Paraphrase correctly: When restating someone’s idea, use your own words and structure,
not just synonyms.
 Summarize information: Condense main points in your own words while giving credit to the
original author.
 Use plagiarism checkers: Tools like Turnitin or Grammarly can help you identify
unintentional plagiarism.

What to Avoid:

 Copy-pasting without credit: Taking any text from a source without citing it is plagiarism.
 Poor paraphrasing: Simply rearranging words or swapping them with synonyms without
altering structure and expression.
 Assuming facts don’t need citation: Even if a fact is widely known, if you read it in a specific
source, cite it.

Example:
 Original Text: “Humans are inherently social beings, seeking connection from early
development” (Smith, 2020, p. 42).
 Plagiarism: Humans are naturally social, seeking bonds from early life.
 Correct paraphrase: According to Smith (2020), humans have an innate drive to form social
connections from a young age.

Example:

Original Academic Paragraph (Proper Use of Quotations and Citations)

"Research consistently demonstrates the critical role of early childhood education in cognitive
and social development. As noted by Bronfenbrenner (1979), “the environment of early
childhood plays a pivotal role in shaping later behavior and learning” (p. 53). More recent
studies echo this sentiment, suggesting that children who engage in structured preschool
programs show marked improvements in language and social skills (Weber, 2018; Ziegler &
Goslin, 2021). According to Weber (2018), “these gains are particularly pronounced among
children from disadvantaged backgrounds, where early education acts as a crucial equalizer” (p.
112). These findings highlight the importance of accessible preschool programs as a foundation
for lifelong learning."

Plagiarized Version

Research shows that early childhood education is critical for cognitive and social development.
The early childhood environment plays a crucial role in shaping later behavior and learning, and
children who go to preschool have significant improvements in language and social skills. This is
especially true for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, where early education can act as
an equalizer. This underscores the need for accessible preschool programs to support lifelong
learning.

Explanation of the Plagiarism

In the plagiarized version:

 Quotations and Citations are Missing: The direct quote from Bronfenbrenner (1979) and
Weber (2018) is presented without quotation marks or citation, which makes it look like the
writer's original words.
 Inadequate Paraphrasing: Instead of rephrasing the ideas in a new structure, the
plagiarized version closely mirrors the original sentence structure and simply omits the
direct quotes and citations.
 Missing Source Attribution: The paraphrased information lacks any acknowledgment of the
original authors, making it unclear that these ideas were sourced from specific studies.

In academic writing, this would be considered plagiarism because it presents others’ ideas and
specific wording as if they were the writer’s own without proper attribution.

Exercise 1: Practicing Paraphrasing with Citation (Longer Paragraphs)

Original Paragraph 1:

"Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various industries by enhancing efficiency and
accuracy. According to a report by Miller and Sharma (2021), AI technologies are significantly
improving decision-making in fields like healthcare and finance, where algorithms can quickly
analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns that might be missed by human analysts.
However, the rapid growth of AI also raises ethical concerns, particularly around privacy and
bias. For instance, biased algorithms can reinforce existing social inequalities, which has been
highlighted in recent studies on facial recognition technologies (Smith & Taylor, 2020)."

Original Paragraph 2:

"Environmental sustainability has become a priority in modern business practices, especially as

consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases. As noted by
Jackson (2019), 'many companies now integrate sustainable practices into their operations,
such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and sourcing materials responsibly' (p. 88).
Additionally, a study by Lee and Perez (2020) found that businesses adopting green policies
often experience greater customer loyalty and competitive advantage, suggesting that
sustainability is not only beneficial for the environment but also for long-term profitability."

Exercise 2: Identifying and Correcting Plagiarism (Longer Paragraphs)

Original Paragraph 1:

"Digital literacy is crucial for navigating the modern information landscape, as it helps
individuals critically assess the reliability of online content. According to Hernandez and Park
(2018), 'digital literacy skills enable users to distinguish between credible information and
misinformation, a skill that has become particularly important in the era of social media' (p. 23).
In addition, teaching digital literacy in schools has been shown to enhance students’ analytical
skills and prepare them for active civic engagement (Lopez, 2019). However, there remains a
significant gap in access to digital literacy resources, particularly in underfunded schools (Kim &
Patel, 2020)."

Task: Here’s a version of the paragraph that lacks citations. Identify where citations are missing
and correct it.
Digital literacy is essential for evaluating the reliability of information online, helping users to
separate credible content from misinformation, which is especially important in today's social
media landscape. Integrating digital literacy education into schools improves students’
analytical skills and readies them for civic engagement. Unfortunately, access to digital literacy
resources is still limited, especially in schools with fewer funds.

Original Paragraph 2:

"Urban farming is increasingly seen as a sustainable way to provide fresh produce in densely
populated areas. Studies show that urban agriculture can help reduce food deserts, lower
carbon emissions from food transportation, and increase green spaces within cities, which has
been linked to mental health benefits (Rogers, 2020). According to Klein and Douglas (2019),
'urban farming initiatives also foster community engagement, as they create spaces for local
residents to collaborate, share knowledge, and build stronger social ties' (p. 45). However, the
expansion of urban farming faces challenges, such as limited space and regulatory barriers
(Gibson, 2021)."

Task: Here’s a paraphrased version of the paragraph that lacks citations. Identify where
citations are missing and correct it.

Urban farming is viewed as an effective way to offer fresh produce in crowded areas. It can
reduce food deserts, decrease carbon emissions from transporting food, and add green spaces
to cities, which can benefit mental health. Urban farms also encourage community engagement
by providing spaces for collaboration and knowledge sharing. However, urban farming
expansion is challenging due to space limitations and regulations.
 SUMMARY WRITING
1. Key Features of a Good Summary

 Conciseness: Captures the essence of the text without excessive detail.

 Objectivity: Relays information neutrally without personal opinions.
 Focus on Key Ideas: Highlights main points, omitting minor details and examples.
 Logical Flow: Arranges ideas coherently, preserving the original text’s sequence and intent.
 Paraphrasing: Rewords the original text to avoid direct copying, demonstrating
comprehension.

2. Cautions in Summary Writing

 Avoiding Plagiarism: Ensure ideas are rephrased in the student’s own words to avoid
unintentional plagiarism.
 Overgeneralizing: Avoid simplifying ideas to the point of misrepresenting the author’s
intentions.
 Maintaining Objectivity: Refrain from inserting personal opinions, interpretations, or
assumptions.
 Wordiness: Avoid unnecessary repetition or elaboration that could make the summary
longer than necessary.
 Avoiding Omissions of Critical Information: Ensure that no crucial ideas are omitted, which
could misrepresent the content.

3. Templates for Summary Writing

Introduction:

 Template: “This passage delves into [topic] with [number] main ideas, discussing [core
focus].”
 Example: "This passage delves into the effects of climate change on biodiversity with three
main points, examining species loss, habitat transformation, and ecological impact."

Body (5-6 sentences):

 Summarize each main point in a single sentence, capturing the core message of each idea or
argument.
 Example Structure:
1. Begin by summarizing the first main point.
2. Transition to the next point, paraphrasing key aspects.
3. Continue through each main idea, maintaining the logical order.
4. Avoid unnecessary detail while ensuring clarity.
Concluding Sentence:

 Template: “In summary, the passage outlines [main ideas/themes] and concludes with [final
takeaway or core message].”
 Example: "In summary, the passage outlines the interconnected impacts of climate change
on biodiversity and underscores the urgency of conservation efforts."

4. C2-Level Grammar Structures for Each Section

Introduction:

 Complex Sentence with Relative Clause: "This passage, which explores the issue of [topic],
presents [number] main arguments that delve into [ideas]."

Body (5-6 Sentences):

 Complex Conditionals for Nuance: "Had the author not emphasized [main point], the depth
of [concept] might not have been as impactful."
 Participial Phrases for Conciseness: "Focusing on [aspect], the passage examines [main
idea]."
 Passive Voice for Objectivity: "[Topic] is analyzed, emphasizing its significance in [context]."
 Embedded Clauses: "The passage highlights that [point], illustrating how [aspect]
contributes to the overall impact."

Concluding Sentence:

 Compound-Complex Sentence for Emphasis: "In summary, while the passage outlines [main
themes], it ultimately underscores [core takeaway], suggesting the importance of [final
idea]."
 Use of Appositives for Clarification: "In summary, the passage—an exploration of [core
idea]—encapsulates the importance of [main takeaway]."

Exercises

Preventing Disease
Until the 19th century, there was little understanding of how diseases spread, but as our
understanding increases, the more able we are to prevent it from happening. There are various
methods of preventing disease. These range from very simple precautions taken by individuals
in the home – washing the hands for example – to expensive international campaigns.

The importance of diet in maintaining health is increasingly recognized. Throughout history, for
example, sailors on long voyages suffered from scurvy, a disease which causes bleeding gums
and stiff limbs. In the mid-eighteenth century, it was found that eating citrus fruits (oranges,
limes, lemons, etc.) could cure these symptoms and ships began to carry supplies of limes. In
the twentieth century, it was discovered that citrus fruits are particularly rich in ascorbic acid,
commonly known as vitamin C, and that it is the lack of this substance that causes scurvy.

The role of international organizations is also crucial in controlling disease. One example of this
is smallpox. In 1980 the World Health Organization declared that smallpox, an often fatal
disease, was officially extinct. This was the result of a successful, worldwide vaccination
program. It was hoped that the same success would be achieved with malaria, a disease
transmitted by the mosquito, but unexpected difficulties have prevented the success of this
particular program. An older method of preventing disease from spreading between countries
is quarantine, which comes from the Italian word 'quaranta', meaning forty days. The system
dates from fifteenth-century Venice and refers to a period during which animals (and formerly
humans) are kept in isolation, before being allowed to enter another country. This allows time
for the symptoms of any disease to develop before it can be unknowingly transmitted.

At a national level, risks to public health can be reduced by providing certain basic facilities. For
example, adequate housing plays an important part, as overcrowded living conditions lead to
the rapid spread of disease. Archaeologists examining primitive settlements have found millions
of disease-carrying parasites and worms, which were passed easily from one person to another.
Fresh water supplies and sewage systems are also necessary to prevent disease. Two thousand
years ago the Romans realized the importance of these and the ancient ruins of Pompeii in Italy
include fountains and toilet areas as well as drains. More recently, industrialization has brought
new problems of pollution and waste disposal, especially in the chemical and nuclear industries,
and strict safety regulations are required to safeguard public health.

Much protection from disease is given to children through vaccinating them. Vaccines, which
usually consist of bacteria or viruses that have been killed or weakened, are administered in the
first year of a child's life. They can no longer cause disease, but they cause a defensive reaction
in the body. Later, if the child is exposed to the same organisms, its body will be able to defend
itself against them. One very successful vaccination program was that which was developed
against poliomyelitis: just two drops of vaccine on the tongue can provide protection against
that disease for up to ten years. In addition to childhood programs, vaccination is available to
international travelers, to prevent or reduce the risk of a wide range of illnesses.

Another measure which can help reduce the spread of disease is health education. Although a
lot of this is done by doctors, nurses, and health visitors, many other sources contain health
information. Magazines, newspapers, television, and the internet carry increasing amounts of
information and national campaigns to increase public awareness have been particularly
successful. In Australia, for example, there is a high incidence of malignant melanoma, a skin
cancer common in those exposed to strong sunlight. A media campaign has helped to save lives
by providing information on early detection and on precautions that prevent melanoma from
developing in the first place.
Finally, regular health checks can be given to detect various diseases, resulting in early
treatment. For example, blood pressure can be measured to make sure that it is not
dangerously high and blood tests can reveal the presence of many conditions, from anemia to
the presence of viruses. Although regular health checks cost a lot, they can save money in the
long term by preventing diseases from developing, and thereby save the expense of
treatments.
 DISCUSSION ESSAY
- a common academic writing format that requires students to evaluate multiple viewpoints on
a topic, presenting both sides before concluding with a well-justified opinion.

- encourages critical thinking and balanced argumentation, as highlighted by Oshima and Hogue
(2006), who define it as an essay structure that presents arguments on both sides of an issue
and concludes with the writer’s stance.

1. Definition:

A discussion essay explores two or more perspectives on a given topic. It provides students with
an opportunity to present a balanced view, then allows them to choose a side based on a
critical analysis of the arguments (Bailey, 2018). In academic writing, this format develops
students’ evaluative and argumentative skills, as well as their ability to substantiate opinions
with evidence.

2. Key Features:

 Balanced Argumentation: Presents two or more sides of an argument with equal initial
weight.
 Evidence-Based Reasoning: Each argument is supported by facts, studies, or reputable
sources to strengthen claims.
 Critical Perspective: Acknowledges and critiques opposing views before advancing a chosen
viewpoint.
 Clear Structure: Typically includes an introduction that states the main argument, a body
divided into viewpoints, and a conclusive stance.
 Neutral Language: The tone remains balanced and neutral when discussing opposing views.

3. Template for a Discussion Essay:

Introduction:

 Example: "It is argued that technology positively transforms education as opposed to those
who believe it may lead to a lack of traditional learning skills. While I acknowledge the latter
view, I am more convinced by the advantages of accessibility and customization in
education through technology."

Body 1 - Weaker Argument [Acknowledge the Opposing View]:

 Example: "On the one hand, opponents of technology in education argue that it contributes
to diminished social and cognitive skills. They emphasize that constant use of digital tools
can limit interpersonal communication and critical thinking."
 Explanation: Elaborate on how technology might replace human interaction in classrooms,
impacting students’ social abilities.
 Further Explanation: Discuss the notion that reliance on technology could hinder deep
learning.
 Example: Refer to studies showing a decline in face-to-face interactions due to increased
online engagement among students.

Body 2 - Stronger Argument [Advocating for Personal View]:

 Example: "On the other hand, I contend that technology significantly enhances education by
improving accessibility and enabling personalized learning."
o Firstly, "Technology provides unparalleled access to resources, widening educational
opportunities."
 Explanation: Explain how resources like online libraries and educational platforms make
education more accessible globally.
o Secondly, "Technology enables personalized learning, catering to students’ individual
needs."
 Explanation: Describe how adaptive learning software can tailor content to suit each
student’s pace and style of learning.

Conclusion:

 Example: "In conclusion, although the impact of technology on social skills cannot be
overlooked, I still hold my view that technology positively transforms education through
accessibility and customization."

4. What Should Be Avoided:

 Bias: Avoid displaying a bias toward one side prematurely in the essay; remain neutral until
the conclusion.
 Unsupported Claims: Avoid stating opinions without supporting evidence.
 Informal Language: Stick to formal academic tone, avoiding colloquial expressions or slang.
 Over-Simplification: Avoid oversimplifying complex arguments; ensure thorough
exploration and justification.
 Ambiguity: Maintain clarity and avoid ambiguous statements that could confuse the reader.

5. High-Level Complex Structures (C2 level, as per Washington Post and The New
York Times):

 Complex Conditionals: “Had it not been for the integration of technology, educational
disparities would have remained far more prevalent.”
 Subordinate Clauses for Nuance: “Despite concerns regarding screen dependency, digital
platforms—particularly when used judiciously—can provide immense educational benefits.”
 Embedded Clauses for Emphasis: “Those who advocate for traditional methods, which they
believe are inherently superior, overlook the accessibility technology affords.”
 Inversion for Emphasis: “Not only does technology provide access to resources, but it also
fosters individualized learning approaches.”

By following this structure, students can craft a well-argued discussion essay that demonstrates
both critical thinking and proficiency in academic writing. This structure teaches students to
balance perspectives and build a strong conclusion, substantiated by evidence and critical
analysis.

References:

 Oshima, A., & Hogue, A. (2006). Writing Academic English. Pearson Longman.
 Bailey, S. (2018). Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students. Routledge.

DISCUSSION ESSAY

Template

Introduction
Paraphrasing sentence:
- It is argued that Subject + Verb as opposed to the others, believing in + noun phrase
- A growing debate surrounds + [main topic], with some arguing [view A], while others insist
in [view B]
Thesis statement:
- While I acknowledge the validity of the latter/former, I am more convinced by [reason 1] and
[reason 2]
- Despite the merits of the latter/former, I am more inclined toward …, particularly due to
[reason 1] and [reason 2]

Body 1 [weaker argument]

On the one hand, proponents of/advocates for + noun phrase + emphasize + [noun phrase 1]
and [noun phrase 2].
Provide explanation(s) + example for [1]
Moreover, provide explanation(s) for [2]
Concluding sentence

Body 2
On the other hand, I contend that Subject + Verb.
Firstly, Subject + Verb + Object
Provide explanation(s) + [example]
Secondly, Subject + Verb + Object
Provide explanation(s) + [example]

Conclusion
In conclusion, although Subject + Verb [weaker argument], I still hold my view that Subject +
Verb [stronger argument]

Task 2. Ambition plays a crucial role in contemporary society, driving individuals to pursue
higher goals and constantly challenge themselves. Others think it negatively affects people's
mindset and health. What is your opinion about this?

Relevant Vocabulary

- drive professional advancement through strategic vision (v) = facilitate career success with
long-term planning (v): Thúc đẩy thăng tiến nghề nghiệp thông qua tầm nhìn chiến lược
- achieve self-actualization by setting ambitious goals (v) = pursue personal fulfillment
through high aspirations (v): đạt được sự tự hoàn thiện bản thân bằng cách đặt mục tiêu
đầy tham vọng
- harness intrinsice motivation to overcome challenges (v) = leverage inner drive to address
obstacles (v): tận dụng động lực bên trong để vượt qua thử thách
- promote resilience through a goal-oriented mindset (v) = building mental fortitude via an
achievement-driven outlook (v): thúc đẩy sự bền bỉ thông qua tư duy hướng tới mục tiêu
- break barriers as a trailblazer in one’s field (v) = innovate as a forward-thinking leader (v):
phá vỡ rào cản với tư cách là người đi tiên phong trong lĩnh vực của mình
- channel ambition into meaningful societal contributions (v): chuyển tham vọng thành
những đóng góp ý nghĩa cho xã hội
- encourage boldness in decision-making (v): khuyến khích sự táo bạo trong việc đưa ra
quyết định
- ego-driven behavior leading to interpersonal conflict (v) = self-absorbed actions causing
relationship strain (v): hành vi bị chi phối vởi cái tôi dẫn đến xung đột cá nhân
- become trapped in a cycle of obsessive perfectionism (v): bị mắc kẹt trong vòng lặp của chủ
nghĩa hoàn hảo đầy ám ảnh

Task 2. If people could choose between a life without work and spending most of their time
working, they could always choose not to work. What is your opinion?