A simple PPT for teaching the concept of plagiarism to ESL students with a very basic grasp of English. Use this prior to giving an assignment to avoid having many students copy from the internet.

1. What is Plagiarism?
Notes on academic dishonesty

2. What is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism means copying someone else’s work.
This could be:
 From the internet
 From a book
 From a classmate
 Or any other source

3. What is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is a form of cheating.
In some places, it is considered a
crime. Plagiarism is stealing
someone else’s words or ideas.
Would you steal somebody’s
money? Then you shouldn’t steal
their words or ideas.

4. Why You Shouldn’t Copy
Copying your homework or an assessment from
the internet is wrong for many reasons. Here are
some:
 You will fail the assignment.
 You may fail the whole class.
 You may be kicked out of university.
 It may ruin your future.
 It is dishonest.
 It is morally wrong.

5. Why You Shouldn’t Copy
More reasons:
 It is a waste of your valuable time.
 You learn nothing by cheating.
 You waste your teacher’s time.
 You are insulting your teacher, your
classmates, and your school.

6. Consequences
If you are found guilty of plagiarism, you may be
punished in one or more of the following ways:
 You will fail the assessment.
 You will fail the class.
 You will fail the semester.
 You will be removed from the university.
 You will damage your future prospects for work or study.

7. How to Avoid Plagiarism
Don’t ever copy from the internet or from another
student.
If you want to borrow an idea or some words, you
should properly reference them.
 If you don’t know how to do this, ask your teacher.
Always be honest, and don’t be afraid to make
mistakes.

8. Remember
 If you cheat, you learn nothing.
 Getting your work marked by a teacher is a valuable opportunity
to learn.
 It is better to use your own words and ideas.
 If you make lots of mistakes, that’s ok.
 A low grade is better than no grade.

9. Powerpoint Presentation by David S. Wills
See my Teaching Resources website for more ESL activities.
Check out TED-IELTS for specific IELTS activities.