Taking Notes and Avoiding Plagarism

   For my past research papers, I have used 4x6 note cards to organize notes that I take.  By labeling the source on the back side of the card (usually with a number key that I create), I take notes on certain topics regarding my paper.  Generally, I make three or four note cards (subgroups) for each source that I use.  This process helps me keep my notes organized and helps to prevent plagiarism by keeping track of what information I used from each source.  
   In Ch.7, the advice that the book gives us is similar to how I take notes for my papers.  It says that by taking notes throughout reading your sources helps to prevent plagiarism by keeping sources organized.  Ch. 7 also defines unintentional plagiarism and explains that it is a serious offense, even though it is not intended to cause harm.  One technique that it mentions is called cross-referencing, in which you cite your sources within your research paper.  Even though this takes more time, it is very effective and is a good way to make sure you accredit the original author.  I gained experience with this by using this approach for a major research paper that I wrote for English IV when I was a Junior in high school.  Chapter 7 also gives examples of how to cite different individual types of sources, which is very helpful because citations vary based on their type.  Throughout high school, I cited my sources in MLA format and became familiar with citations of different types of sources.