Question about writing Essay..... HELP.~~~

[j@cko]

We are assignment to write an essay in English class. I am reading a book which relates to my topic. The thing I am gonna write is pretty much all in the book, but it's THAT particular author's opinion, but I find it very acceptable. Do I reword it? Does this consider a thief action?

 

[spanky]

just do not copy word for word. sorta like rewrite the authors opinion in your own words. or u can look online and see if anyone already wrote a paper about it.

 

[j@cko]

What site offers these papers for reference?

 

[bolomite]

Do not plagiarize, it's not worth the potential consequences.

 

[Jfur]

<< Do not plagiarize, it's not worth the potential consequences. >>



agreed :Q

 

[j@cko]

So, as long as I have the thoughts and opinoins in my own words it's okay right?

 

[Jfur]

yes, but try to think of some ideas of your own, too. don't just change a few words on something your pulled of the web -- make sure the content is substantially different and ALWAYS cite references if you take an idea from somewhere. be confident -- your own ideas are probably very good, too -- perhaps even better than other people's published work

 

[ZeroBurn]

"a lowly opinion is worth about as much as a great one. an uneducated one on the other hand..."

basically your opinion is as worthy as anyone else's, so just write it down. it's not about your argument that you get graded on, it's about how you do it. support your opinion and make sure it's well founded on, that you have evidence and ground for your belief. if you didn't even read the article and are trying to express your point- it's a little hard since you don't even know what your argument is. cite resources that add value to your opinion, other articles or journals that may support it, you can even use historical examples if applicable. another that's becoming more looked at now is personal examples, what exactly have you gone through or experienced that made you think this way.

don't be un-original and think that the book already has your opinion, it's SIMILIAR. use the book as support for your own stance. finding it acceptable doesn't equal exactly what's in your mind. the best way to avoid plagiarism is using their writing as a launching pad for your own paper, if he uses a really catchy phrase or metaphor that you really like you can quote it (cite that quotation).

good luck

 

[LoveDoc]

i agree with the previous posters..
and also, chances are if this is an in-class writing and your not allowed to use the book then whatever you write up will be your own summary and in your own words, unless you have photographic memory or something.