In making a determination of plagiarism, does it matter how much of the paper is copied?

Yes, it does matter how much of the paper is copied when making a determination of plagiarism. Here are the steps to understand why:

1. Definition of Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work or ideas without giving them proper credit, thereby presenting it as your own. This can be a sentence, a paragraph, or even an entire paper.

2. Amount Matters: The amount of the paper that is copied does matter. If only a small part of the paper is copied without proper citation, it may be considered as minor plagiarism. However, if large portions or the entire paper is copied, it is definitely a serious act of plagiarism.

3. Consequences: The consequences of plagiarism can vary depending on the amount that is copied. Minor instances may result in a warning or a reduction in grade, while major instances can lead to failing the assignment, the course, or even expulsion from the institution.

4. Prevention: To avoid plagiarism, always properly cite your sources and try to write in your own words as much as possible. If you are unsure about how to cite, ask your instructor or use plagiarism detection tools available online.

Remember, plagiarism is a serious academic offense. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so when in doubt, cite your sources!