To be a good writer, a person must have a repertoire of original words. Now more than ever it is imperative that writers are able to have originality in their writing. They must also be able to use quotes appropriately otherwise they could be accused of plagiarism. This article will discuss several issues related to plagiarism. These problems include:1. The definition of plagiarism and why students plagiarize.2. Intentional and unintentional plagiarism3. The importance of citing with specific examples of improper citation and why it is considered plagiarism.4. Discussion of quoting, directly quoting, paraphrasing, and expressing another's ideas.5. Definition of common knowledge and whether it is better to overquote or underquote. According to Plagiarism.org, (as cited in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary) the meaning of plagiarism is "to steal and pass off (another's ideas or words) as one's own; to use (another's production) without citing the source; to commit theft literary; and present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source (“What is plagiarism?”, n.d. ). Part of the definition provides an answer to some of the reasons why students plagiarize part that says "Without citing the source" is what gets many students into trouble. They don't start by using another person's words, but the improper citation leaves the impression that they are committing plagiarism person is one reason students plagiarize. Other reasons students plagiarize, according to Plagarism.org, are deadlines, challenging assignments, and sometimes the lines between plagiarism and research are unclear (“What is plagiarism? ", nd). All students... half of the paper ...Ls, words or thoughts, it is better to overquote than underquote. This will ensure that you do not plagiarize someone else's work. Works CitedBaylor School. org. (n.d.). Intentional and unintentional plagiarism. Indefinite. Retrieved January 29, 2011, from http://mail.baylorschool.org/~jstover/plagiarism/intent.htm.Olivas, T. & Thompson, S. (2008, October 28). How to avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism prevention for students. Retrieved January 29, 2011, from http://library.csusm.edu/plagiarism/howtoavoid/how_avoid_direct.htmThompson, S. (2008, October 28). How to avoid plagiarism. “Prevention of plagiarism for students”. Retrieved January 29, 2011, from http://library.csusm.edu/plagiarism/howtoavoid/how_avoid_direct.htmWhat is plagiarism? (n.d.) Retrieved January 28, 2011, from http://www.plagiarism.org/learning_center/what_is_plagiarism.html