How can students maintain academic integrity?

Maintaining academic integrity is essential for building trust within the academic community and upholding the value of education. The correct option emphasizes that students should avoid plagiarism, which means refraining from presenting someone else's work as their own. This can be done by properly citing sources and giving credit to original authors for their ideas, research, and findings. Adhering to ethical standards is crucial in ensuring that students engage in fair practices, representing their own understanding and efforts in their work.

Choosing to follow guidelines and standards fosters a respectful academic environment, encouraging original thought and collaboration. Recognizing the importance of academic integrity also prepares students for professional practices where honesty and ethics are paramount. Overall, option A provides a comprehensive approach to maintaining integrity in academic work by highlighting the necessity of proper citation and ethical behavior.