1. Mosaic Plagiarism:
Mosaic plagiarism occurs when an individual copies phrases, sentences, or ideas from a source and integrates them into their work without proper acknowledgment. It often involves minimal rephrasing, where the original structure and meaning of the source remain intact. This type of plagiarism may also include blending the plagiarized material with the author’s original content, making it less apparent at first glance.

• Example: A student borrows phrases or rewords sentences from multiple sources and incorporates them into their essay without citing the sources.
• Key Characteristics:
  • Partial rewording or direct lifting of phrases.
  • Intentional or unintentional lack of attribution.
  • Sometimes referred to as “patchwriting.”

2. Direct Plagiarism:
Direct plagiarism is the act of copying text word-for-word from a source without quotation marks or citation. This is a clear violation of academic and professional integrity, as it involves presenting someone else’s work as one’s own without any attempt at paraphrasing or crediting the original author.

• Example: A student copies a paragraph from an online article and pastes it into their assignment without making any changes or citing the original source.
• Key Characteristics:
  • Exact duplication of content.
  • No quotation marks or references provided.
  • Easiest type of plagiarism to detect.

Conclusion:
While both mosaic plagiarism and direct plagiarism involve unethical use of source material, the distinction lies in the method of copying. Mosaic plagiarism involves subtle integration and partial rewording of source content, whereas direct plagiarism involves exact replication without citation. Both practices undermine the principles of originality and must be avoided through proper citation and attribution practices.