You do not need to cite facts or ideas that are common knowledge in the field you are studying, as long as you express them in your own sentences. When you can not be sure what is common knowledge and what is not, play it safe and cite your sources. You are more likely to risk plagiarizing when you Do not understand the material well enough to be able to use it. Rely too heavily on the ideas of others or presume their ideas are preferable to your own. Do not know the correct methods of citation and attribution.
Penalties range from loss of time by having to redo an assignment to failing a course.
Purdue University 1995-2000. Online Writing Lab . Additional Resources See Appendix D, Academic Dishonesty Policy and Procedure in Western Washington University s Bulletin.