IntroductionPlagiarism has become a widespread problem in our society. Plagiarism is defined as using another's ideas, words, concepts, or beliefs without giving them credit for being the author. It seems like everyone is looking for a quick and easy way to accomplish tasks by borrowing from their predecessors. Borrowing ideas or words from those who have gone before us and who have acquired knowledge on a particular subject is what education is all about. However, when someone borrows or uses someone else's information, they are morally, and often legally, obligated to give due credit to the source. Plagiarism is a form of cheating, and cheating harms everyone involved in some way. Plagiarism can occur for many possible reasons, some of which include lack of honesty of the person doing the plagiarism, accidental or unintentional plagiarism due to negligence, or lack of knowledge on how to properly cite sources in order to not to plagiarize.CounterargumentPlagiarism, at first glance, may seem like a harmless crime. It is often difficult to see a victim or a person injured by this act. This leads to a feeling of nonchalance about plagiarism. Unfortunately, this mentality is growing and plagiarism is becoming a very controversial topic. As Nels Griffin (Write or Wrong: Thoughts on Plagiarism) stated, there must be a distinction between intentional, blatant plagiarism and accidental or unintentional plagiarism. After all, plagiarism, by its own definition, is borrowing or stealing the ideas or words of others without giving them credit. When you borrow without permission, it is called theft, which harms the person you stole from and your personal integrity. So co...... middle of paper ...... knowing how to avoid plagiarism is a common cause. But instead of tolerating and allowing plagiarism, there needs to be more emphasis on how to properly avoid this problem. If plagiarism is intentional, as is the case with some less than honest people, the consequences must be serious. Intentional plagiarism not only deprives the author of the original source of due credit, but also deceives the person doing the plagiarism by reinforcing the fact that they are either incapable of doing their own work or that they do not just doesn't care about doing the right thing. This deprives them of reaching their own personal potential as a writer and a person. Works Cited Callahan, David. (2006). On Campus: Author discusses “cheating culture” with students. Perspectives, 1(4), 8. Griffin, Nels. (2009). Write or err: thoughts on plagiarism. Helum, July.