Final answer:
Typically, a single word cannot be plagiarized, but unattributed copying of any text, including a word within a context, is against academic integrity. Proper citation and attribution are essential in scholarly work to avoid plagiarism and maintain academic credibility. Students should practice careful research and utilize available academic resources. The correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
When asking if it is possible to plagiarize a single word, the answer depends on context. In general, a single word cannot be copyrighted and therefore typically cannot be plagiarized. However, plagiarism is not only about copyright infringement but also about academic integrity.
If a student copies a passage word for word from an Internet site, as the given scenario suggests, without including quotation marks or author attribution, it is considered plagiarism regardless of the length of copied text. In scholarly work, proper citation and attribution are crucial to uphold the values of academic honesty and integrity.
Plagiarism is more than just copying significant portions of text; it includes using someone else's ideas or expressions without proper acknowledgment, which can even occur unintentionally. It is vital to avoid plagiarism to maintain academic credibility, and this can be done by practicing careful research, note-taking, and writing.
Students are encouraged to seek help when needed, either by consulting with their instructors or using academic support resources available at their institution.