Briefly explain what plagiarism is, what the consequences are, and how it can be avoided.

By using your own knowledge and way of understanding

passing off someone else's work as your own.

consequences depend on where it occurs ... people have lost their reputations because they plagiarised someone else's work ... it could end up in court and a person may have to pay heavy reparations

if you quote someone else, that may be legitimate research, but too much or too often can become plagiarism.

it can be avoided by checking your own work and making sure you do _always_ quote your sources.