Assignment
Unit VI: Ethical Considerations in Writing
Topics Covered:
1. Enduring Original Writing
2. Finding Credible Sources, Evaluating Information
3. Samples and Examples
Introduction
Writing is a powerful way to communicate ideas, share knowledge, and influence people.
However, with this power comes a responsibility—to write ethically. Ethical writing means
being honest, original, and respectful toward the work of others. This assignment explores
key ethical aspects of writing, including the importance of original work, how to find and
evaluate reliable sources, and relevant examples to understand these ideas better.
1. Enduring Original Writing
What is Original Writing?
Original writing means creating your own ideas, using your own words, and avoiding
copying others' work. It shows creativity, critical thinking, and respect for intellectual
honesty.
Why Is It Important?
- Academic Integrity: Plagiarism (copying without credit) is a serious academic offense.
- Personal Growth: When you write in your own words, you truly understand the subject.
- Respect for Others’ Work: It shows that you value and acknowledge others' contributions.
Ways to Maintain Originality:
- Use your own voice and expressions.
- Take ideas from sources but rephrase and analyze them.
- Always give credit to the original authors using citations or references.
- Use plagiarism-checking tools to ensure your writing is clean.
2. Finding Credible Sources & Evaluating Information
What Is a Credible Source?
A credible source is trustworthy, well-researched, and written by experts or professionals.
Examples include:
- Academic journals
- Books from reputable publishers
- News articles from respected media outlets
- Government or university websites
How to Identify Reliable Sources:
- Author’s Credentials: Is the writer an expert on the topic?
- Publication Source: Is it a university, research institute, or respected publisher?
- Date of Publication: Is the information recent and up to date?
- References and Evidence: Are there facts, data, or references to support claims?
- Bias Check: Is the content balanced or does it show strong personal opinions?
How to Evaluate Information:
- Compare multiple sources on the same topic.
- Cross-check facts and statistics.
- Avoid blogs, forums, or social media unless written by credible professionals.
- Use library databases or academic search engines (like Google Scholar).
3. Samples and Examples
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Example 1: Original Writing vs Plagiarized Writing
✅
Plagiarized: "Climate change is the most dangerous issue today."
Original: "In recent years, climate change has emerged as a major global challenge due to
its impact on weather patterns, agriculture, and health."
✅
Example 2: Credible vs Non-Credible Sources
❌
Credible: An article from the World Health Organization (WHO) on public health.
Non-Credible: A random blog post without author details or sources.
Example 3: Evaluating Information
Topic: Renewable Energy
Good Evaluation: "The International Energy Agency's 2023 report states that solar energy is
now the cheapest source of electricity in many countries."
Conclusion
Ethical writing is not only a skill but also a responsibility. By producing original content and
using reliable sources, writers build trust and credibility. Whether you are a student,
researcher, or professional, following ethical standards ensures that your writing is
respected and valuable. In the academic world especially, these principles are the
foundation of honest and meaningful work.