Lack Evidence

Do not accuse a student of plagiarism unless you have clear evidence. If you have insufficient evidence but still suspect plagiarism, it can nonetheless be worthwhile to pursue the matter further with the student. In the process of discussing the content of a completed assignment, it may become clear that the student does not know enough about the subject to have written the paper. That in of itself may constitute evidence. Better yet, over the course of the conversation, the student may come forward with the truth.

Another strategy is to tell students that you cannot evaluate their papers without seeing the sources they used. If they provide the sources, you can check them for yourself. An inability to produce the sources may at least contribute to evidence of plagiarism.

-- BrianHoule - 21 Aug 2006