Definition of Plagiarism--

"Stealing and/or using the ideas or writings of another in a paper or report and claiming them as your own.  This includes but is not limited to the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement."  - CSU Code of Student Conduct

Be sure to always cite your sources for any ideas used in your paper that are not common knowledge. Also put quotation marks around direct quotes. For additional writing and citing help, check out the citation style guides on this page or make an appointment with the Writing Center at 216-687-6981.

What is MLA?

• MLA stands for Modern Language Association
• A style of documenting the sources you paraphrase, quote, and use in your research paper or project.
• Used in writing courses and the humanties, especially language and literature.
• Determines the exact format of your citations by specifying publication information to include and the order of this information as well as capitalization and punctuation. 
• Sources used appear at the end of the paper in an alphabetical list called the Works Cited page. 

Learn more at Modern Language Association

Why do I have to cite? 

• It is the ONLY way to avoid plagiarism! Plagiarism is a very serious offense with consequences. 
• The author or creator of the original work deserves to be recognized and given credit.

Learn more about plagiarism and avoiding plagiarism at the CSU Writing Center website.

Where can I get help?

• Talk to your professor.
• Schedule an appointment at the Writing Center.

Below are Turabian/Chicago citation style guides: