How to avoid plagiarism

What is plagiarism?

Let's go to wikipedia:

" Plagiarism is the representation of another person's language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions as one's own original work." [Wikipedia, Plagiarism consulted 01/07/2025].

So, plagiarism is when you copy another person's work and you use it as it was your own work. Paraphrasing someone else's ideas without acknowledging the source, or translating a foreign-language source without citing the original, is also considered plagiarism.

Also when you add to your paper someone else's graphics, tables, images or video without giving credit, it's plagiarism.

The University of Bergamo has got an ethical code, called "codice etico dell'Università degli Studi di Bergamo" that says: "I membri della comunità universitaria sono tenuti al rispetto della normativa vigente in materia di proprietà intellettuale e plagio.", that is "University affiliates must respect the law concerning intellectual property and plagiarism" (art. 6 comma 1,).

A student can be sanctioned for plagiarism with disciplinary measures.

See also:

Master degree thesis: a comprehensive writing guide, expecially cap. 3.3
Harvard Guide to Using Sources: How to Avoid Plagiarism