Patchwork plagiarism: how can you avoid it?

Every student has heard about plagiarism. Simply put, it is about using someone else’s ideas, concepts, or visuals without proper sourcing. However, not everyone is aware of patchwork plagiarism, which is much trickier. Moreover, many learners might not even realize they may face this issue when working on their academic papers. So, what is patchwork plagiarism? What should every student know about it? How can you avoid it in your papers? Find all the answers below. 

What is patchwork plagiarism?

So, let’s begin by explaining the patchwork plagiarism definition. How can you distinguish it from a common, unoriginal text? It involves connecting several various sources in your unique way without correct citation. You may also hear this term as mosaic or quilted plagiarism. Below you will find a patchwork plagiarism example to have a clearer understanding of what we mean. And now, you can learn more about its features. 

Most importantly, this type of plagiarism is very difficult to identify. Even modern online checkers might fail to track the examples of patchwork plagiarism. The reason is that unoriginal text often looks like a unique one. As a result, many students still believe they can’t be caught with this issue. This is the most dangerous mistake you can face when completing your academic assignment. Professors and mentors are experienced and can easily detect it at first glance. 

Still, many bright minds use it accidentally - they just don’t know that rearranging ideas doesn’t make your writing unique. Consequently, the students may suddenly face serious ethical and legal consequences after submitting a paper. 

Examples of patchwork plagiarism

It’s easy to understand what common plagiarism is. But what is patchwork plagiarism? You need to distinguish two different kinds of this type of unoriginal content. 

From multiple sources

Most academic papers with uniqueness issues usually contain this type of unoriginal writing. So, here is a patchwork plagiarism example that was created using several sources. 

Original text 1 (Source A):

The invention of the printing press revolutionized communication in Europe during the Renaissance. It allowed for the rapid dissemination of ideas and information, leading to significant social and cultural changes.

Original text 2 (Source B):

In addition to its impact on communication, the printing press played a crucial role in spreading literacy. As printed materials became more accessible, literacy rates soared across Europe.

Patchwork plagiarism:

The invention of the printing press during the Renaissance was a pivotal moment in European history. It transformed communication by enabling the rapid spread of ideas and information (Source A) and contributed significantly to increased literacy rates across the continent (Source B).

From a single source

If you search for a simple patchwork plagiarism definition, you will find an explanation that its most common form comes from one source. Here is an example: 

Original text:

The Industrial Revolution began in the late 18th century and marked a significant shift in human history. It brought about profound changes in society, economy, and technology, leading to the rise of factories and urbanization.

Patchwork plagiarism:

The Industrial Revolution, which started in the late 1700s, marked a monumental change in human history. It resulted in profound shifts in society, economy, and technology, ultimately leading to the emergence of factories and urbanization.

Patchwork paraphrasing

Another serious issue you should know about is related to another side of plagiarism. Academic professionals usually call it “patchwork paraphrasing.” What are its core features? 

This type of plagiarism is related to rewriting someone else’s ideas with your own words. If you forget or intentionally fail to add a reference to this material, your paper will not be considered original. Although you may encounter this challenge accidentally, the patchwork paraphrasing problem is still your responsibility. 

What is the tricky thing about this type of unoriginal content? It’s very easy to miss. When you write and research, you might forget the source of information. So, how to avoid patchwork plagiarism? Try to be mindful and start storing all your sources at the beginning of your research. Fortunately, this approach is not difficult to follow. Moreover, it will help you not to get lost in numerous sources when completing your academic paper. 

Patchwork plagiarism: tips to avoid it

If you want to make your papers fresh and clear, you need to understand how to avoid patchwork plagiarism. Obviously, you always need to use your own words. However, following this rule might not be enough. Consider taking these aspects into account when working on your academic papers: 

• Take notes in your own words. Don’t copy and paste original phrases and sentences into your final writing. It is better to summarize all the data you find online. 
• Develop your ideas: Incorporating your thoughts, analysis, and interpretations into your writing is always good. This will reduce your temptation to rely on the words of others and add pieces of patchwork plagiarism to your paper. 
• Cite your sources. Always provide proper citations for any information that is not yours. Furthermore, you need to follow the citation style required by your institution or publication. Failure to cite the sources is one of the main reasons for patchwork plagiarism. 

There are many ways to avoid this common writing challenge. Many universities and colleges, like Central Penn College, share this important information on their official websites. To make your job easier, we’ve collected some tips on how to stay away from patchwork plagiarism (and, of course, its common type, patchwork paraphrasing) easily. 

But why do you need to patchwork plagiarism? It may lead to academic issues and even damage your career. Every type of plagiarism (whether accidental or intentional) is considered dishonesty. 

If you are a minor, this issue can often lead to a low grade and 0 points for a particular subject. Some colleges and universities might even make you drop out because of it. As for academic professionals, patchwork plagiarism might ruin their career perspectives and spoil their relationships with colleagues and peers. Outside academics, these professionals might also face legal action against them for plagiarism and get banned from sharing their publications in scientific journals. 

The top way to avoid all types of plagiarism 

All in all, patchwork plagiarism may cause dire consequences, such as dropping out of college or problems with career development. If you don’t want to make this nightmare turn out to be real life, it is crucial to take plagiarism into account seriously. 

Still, there is another excellent way to avoid this problem. You can start using a professional writing service that will help you cope with academic assignments of any difficulty level. These professional writers can meet all your requirements and compose original writing upon your request. As a result, you will not feel anxious when submitting your paper and avoid all the tricky plagiarism issues. 

Conclusion

What is patchwork plagiarism? It is a serious issue that may result in numerous penalties. This type of unoriginal content might take different forms. For example, it may come from one or several sources or even be a patchwork paraphrasing. This academic complication is difficult to identify and track. 

However, remaining unique and staying away from all types of unoriginal writing is always a student’s responsibility. Therefore, always remember about proper referencing and avoid rewriting ideas when working on your academic papers.