DVA1502 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
21 APRIL 2026
Question 1: Plagiarism and Referencing
1.1 Explain your understanding of plagiarism.
Plagiarism means using someone else’s ideas, words, or work without giving them
proper credit. This includes copying directly from a book, article, or website, as well as
paraphrasing too closely without acknowledging the original source. It is a form of
academic dishonesty.
1.2 Explain in your own words why it is important to avoid plagiarism.
Avoiding plagiarism is important because it shows respect for other people’s intellectual
work. It also allows readers to trace the origin of ideas, which builds trust and credibility.
In an academic setting, plagiarism can lead to serious penalties such as failing an
assignment or even expulsion, and it prevents genuine learning.
1.3 What measures will you take to ensure that you avoid plagiarism?
To avoid plagiarism, I will always keep a record of my sources as I read. I will use
quotation marks when copying exact words and provide the author, year, and page
number. When paraphrasing, I will rewrite the idea completely in my own words and still
cite the source. I will also run my work through a plagiarism checker before submission.
, 1.4 Explain your understanding of paraphrasing.
Paraphrasing means rephrasing someone else’s idea or information in your own words
while retaining the original meaning. Unlike a direct quote, paraphrasing shows that you
have understood the material. However, even when paraphrasing, you must still cite the
original source.
1.5 Demonstrate in-text referencing and a reference list entry. (2
Example of in-text referencing
Education is described as “one of the most powerful instruments for promoting
sustained economic growth and reducing poverty and inequality” (Kagia, 2007, cited in
UNISA, 2022, p. 19).
Example of reference list entry:
UNISA. 2022. DVA1502 Study Guide: Development Problems and Institutions. Pretoria:
University of South Africa.
Question 2: Culture and Development (10 marks)
Explain culture and how it is connected to traditions and customs.
Culture refers to the shared way of life of a group of people, including their beliefs,
values, language, art, and daily practices. Traditions are customs or rituals passed
down from generation to generation, such as ceremonies or festivals. Customs are the
usual ways of behaving in specific situations, like greetings or marriage practices.
21 APRIL 2026
Question 1: Plagiarism and Referencing
1.1 Explain your understanding of plagiarism.
Plagiarism means using someone else’s ideas, words, or work without giving them
proper credit. This includes copying directly from a book, article, or website, as well as
paraphrasing too closely without acknowledging the original source. It is a form of
academic dishonesty.
1.2 Explain in your own words why it is important to avoid plagiarism.
Avoiding plagiarism is important because it shows respect for other people’s intellectual
work. It also allows readers to trace the origin of ideas, which builds trust and credibility.
In an academic setting, plagiarism can lead to serious penalties such as failing an
assignment or even expulsion, and it prevents genuine learning.
1.3 What measures will you take to ensure that you avoid plagiarism?
To avoid plagiarism, I will always keep a record of my sources as I read. I will use
quotation marks when copying exact words and provide the author, year, and page
number. When paraphrasing, I will rewrite the idea completely in my own words and still
cite the source. I will also run my work through a plagiarism checker before submission.
, 1.4 Explain your understanding of paraphrasing.
Paraphrasing means rephrasing someone else’s idea or information in your own words
while retaining the original meaning. Unlike a direct quote, paraphrasing shows that you
have understood the material. However, even when paraphrasing, you must still cite the
original source.
1.5 Demonstrate in-text referencing and a reference list entry. (2
Example of in-text referencing
Education is described as “one of the most powerful instruments for promoting
sustained economic growth and reducing poverty and inequality” (Kagia, 2007, cited in
UNISA, 2022, p. 19).
Example of reference list entry:
UNISA. 2022. DVA1502 Study Guide: Development Problems and Institutions. Pretoria:
University of South Africa.
Question 2: Culture and Development (10 marks)
Explain culture and how it is connected to traditions and customs.
Culture refers to the shared way of life of a group of people, including their beliefs,
values, language, art, and daily practices. Traditions are customs or rituals passed
down from generation to generation, such as ceremonies or festivals. Customs are the
usual ways of behaving in specific situations, like greetings or marriage practices.