When using textual evidence to avoid plagiarism, there are several key steps you should follow:
1. Cite Your Source: Always make sure to provide proper citations for the sources you use in your work. This includes mentioning the author's name, the title of the work, the publication date, and any other relevant information that allows readers to locate the original source.
2. Paraphrase the Original Text: Instead of directly quoting the text, try to rephrase the information in your own words while maintaining the original meaning. This helps you avoid plagiarism by showing that you understand and can articulate the ideas without copying them verbatim.
3. Quote Sparingly and Appropriately: While quoting can be necessary in some cases, it's essential to do so sparingly and only when the exact wording is crucial to your argument. When you do quote, make sure to use quotation marks and provide a citation to give credit to the original author.
By following these steps, you can effectively use textual evidence in your work while avoiding plagiarism and demonstrating academic integrity.