When you are writing a research paper the best way to support your point is by giving evidence. And for that, you have to use the conclusions given by various scholars. While using them in your research paper, make sure to give proper citations.
Adding the right citation is very important. You must make sure to add the correct citation to your content. If you have added wrong citations then there are high chances of getting plagiarism in your content.
What is plagiarism
Plagiarism means copying content or ideas of others and mentioning it under your name. Using the ideas of others for your paper without mentioning the name of the author results in plagiarism. Plagiarism is also considered cheating, as you are not using your own content in fact you are just copying it. This also results in the loss of your credibility and results in serious punishments like a rejection of your research paper or a low grade for your paper.

How much percentage of plagiarism is ok
If you ask your teacher about this, the straight answer you will get is ZERO. This is because your professors would love to see your original content and do not want you to use any of the already published content. But to be honest there is some amount of plagiarism that your professors can allow. Although they say that zero plagiarism should be there so that you do not get lenient about it and do your best as much as you can. The only plagiarism coming on your headings, factors, and titles of the research papers that you have considered is allowed. This means that a maximum of 10-12% of plagiarism is considered.
How to avoid plagiarism How to write a Research Paper without plagiarizing
There are several ways by which you can get rid of plagiarised content. Few of them are
- Planning how to write

Adding the right citation is very important. You must make sure to add the correct citation to your content. If you have added wrong citations then there are high chances of getting plagiarism in your content.
- Avoid copy-pasting
Now if you are writing something which needs numbers included in it, then you should change the style of writing numbers. Suppose if the number is written as sixty-two, write it as 62 and vice versa. This also helps to save you from getting plagiarism.
- Using plagiarism detectors
Numerous paid and free tools help to check plagiarism. You must use them before submitting your paper. If you are using free tools try to check from at least 2-3 free tools. It is because sometimes, what may not be detected by one tool, is detected by the other tool.
- Take time
If you have previously used any of the previously published work related to the same topic, then you can not use that content again in your present work. You need to cite the name of your paper in it.
- Paraphrasing
Adding the right citation is very important. You must make sure to add the correct citation to your content. If you have added wrong citations then there are high chances of getting plagiarism in your content.
- Self Plagiarism
If you have previously used any of the previously published work related to the same topic, then you can not use that content again in your present work. You need to cite the name of your paper in it.
When you are writing a research paper the best way to support your point is by giving evidence. And for that, you have to use the conclusions given by various scholars. While using them in your research paper, make sure to give proper citations.
- Proper citing
Now if you are writing something which needs numbers included in it, then you should change the style of writing numbers. Suppose if the number is written as sixty-two, write it as 62 and vice versa. This also helps to save you from getting plagiarism.
- Quotations
Paraphrasing means changing the wording of the lines by keeping the meaning the same. Although paraphrasing each and every line that you will add in your research paper is considered unethical way, you must do it after the check for plagiarism in your content. If you detect any plagiarism in your research paper, then you use paraphrase the plagiarised content.

- Changing the style of writing numbers
When you are not able to change the wording of some type of important content, then you must write it in proper quotes along with proper citations. Although it is one of the best ways to get safe from plagiarism, you must not overdo it. Also, you should not add content in quotations that are not related to your topic.
- Recheck the citations
For more such education-related articles, you may also refer to, How many pages is a Research Paper Optimal Paper length
Conclusion
Having plagiarism in your research paper will result in a loss of credibility and serious punishments. You must keep plagiarism away from your paper. There are various ways of avoiding it, but the best way is by avoiding copy-pasting. You should be genuine and authentic. Also, adding proper references from where you have taken the content is very important. Take your time while writing it as it will help in reducing the chances of forgetting to add proper citations.
This post is last updated on hrtanswers.com at Date : 1st of September – 2022