Choose the correct one word substitute for the given description: a person who copies from other writers and presents the work as original.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question tests your knowledge of one word substitutions, a popular topic in competitive English exams. The description given is a person who copies from other writers and presents the work as original. In academic and professional contexts, this behaviour is considered a serious offence, and there is a precise term used to describe such a person. Knowing this term helps you understand discussions about ethics, research, and intellectual property.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- We need a single word that replaces the phrase a person who copies from other writers and passes the work off as original.
- The options include Imitator, Pluralist, Plagiarist, Copycat, and Adapter.
- The focus is on copying someone else s written work, usually without permission or acknowledgement.

Concept / Approach:
In English, the technical term for the act of copying someone else s written work and presenting it as one s own is plagiarism. The noun for the person who does this is plagiarist. This word is commonly used in universities, publishing houses, and journalism to describe someone who has stolen text, ideas, or creative work. While imitator and copycat also involve copying, they do not necessarily include the idea of intellectual dishonesty or presenting the work as truly original. Therefore, plagiarist is the most accurate and precise answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the key idea in the description: copying from other writers and showing the work as original.
Step 2: Recall the term used for this act in academic or legal context, which is plagiarism.
Step 3: Identify the corresponding noun for a person who commits plagiarism, namely plagiarist.
Step 4: Compare plagiarist with the other options and confirm that it uniquely captures the idea of wrongful copying of written work.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consulting standard English dictionaries will show that plagiarist means a person who uses another person s words or ideas as if they were their own. This matches the description exactly. On the other hand, imitator can describe a person who follows another s style but may still create original content. Copycat is an informal term and does not necessarily refer to written work or intellectual property. Therefore, the most precise and exam appropriate term is plagiarist.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Imitator: suggests someone who follows a style or model but does not automatically imply cheating or theft of text.
- Pluralist: refers to someone who believes in or practices pluralism, and has no connection with copying written work.
- Copycat: an informal term for someone who copies, but it is not the standard technical word for the offence of plagiarism.
- Adapter: a person who modifies something for a new purpose; this does not imply dishonest copying of writing.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates often choose imitator or copycat because these words feel close in everyday use. However, exams usually prefer the precise term that fits formal contexts. Learners should remember that plagiarism and plagiarist are strongly linked to writing, research, and creative work, and that the word carries a serious negative meaning. Memorising such technical vocabulary helps in reading academic articles and understanding exam passages on ethics and law.

Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute is Plagiarist.