Turnitin has become a cornerstone tool in academic settings for maintaining integrity and originality in student submissions. Whether you’re a first-year college student or a seasoned postgraduate, understanding how to properly navigate Turnitin can make a significant difference in how your work is received and evaluated. This article provides a comprehensive guide to submitting assignments effectively on Turnitin, ensuring both accuracy and confidence in your academic journey.
Understanding Turnitin
Turnitin is an online plagiarism detection service widely used by universities and institutions to assess the originality of students’ work. The platform checks submitted assignments against a massive database of academic papers, books, websites, and previously submitted documents to identify any similarities or potential plagiarism.
It is important to understand that Turnitin does not label something as plagiarized—it simply highlights similarities and provides a similarity index percentage. It is up to the instructor or evaluator to interpret the results based on context, citation style, and the originality of the content.
Preparing Your Assignment Before Submission
Follow Formatting Guidelines
Before uploading your assignment to Turnitin, ensure that your document is correctly formatted according to your institution’s requirements. This includes proper spacing, font size, title page formatting, headers, and citations. Incorrect formatting may not only impact your grade but also affect how Turnitin interprets and analyzes your document.
Use Proper Referencing and Citations
One of the most effective ways to avoid high similarity scores is by correctly citing all your sources. Turnitin recognizes widely accepted citation styles such as APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard. Familiarize yourself with the required format and apply it consistently throughout your paper.
When referencing material, ensure that quotations are clearly marked and properly attributed. Paraphrased content should be rewritten in your own words and still properly cited. This demonstrates both originality and scholarly diligence.
Avoid Copy-Pasting
It can be tempting to copy sections of text from online sources, especially under tight deadlines. However, Turnitin will almost always detect this, and it can significantly impact your similarity score. Try to understand the content first, then express it in your own words. This not only helps reduce plagiarism but also deepens your comprehension of the topic.
Keep Track of Your Drafts
If you are submitting multiple drafts or if your institution allows resubmissions, be careful not to include earlier versions that might be flagged by Turnitin. Save drafts separately and label them clearly to avoid accidental resubmission of the same content.
Submitting to Turnitin
Understand Your Institution’s Turnitin Policy
Different institutions and professors use Turnitin in various ways. Some allow multiple submissions before the final due date, while others only allow one. Some may show you the similarity report, while others may not. Be sure to read the assignment instructions or ask your instructor to understand how Turnitin will be used for your specific assignment.
File Type and Size Requirements
Turnitin supports several file types, including Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx), PDF, Rich Text Format (.rtf), and plain text (.txt). Ensure your file meets the platform’s size limits, typically 100MB or 800 pages. Submitting a file with incompatible formatting or size can lead to errors and delays.
Submit in Advance
Avoid last-minute submissions. Technical issues, internet problems, or file formatting errors can all cause unnecessary stress if you wait until the deadline. Submitting early gives you time to check your submission confirmation and, if permitted, review the similarity report for potential issues.
Confirmation of Submission
After submitting your assignment, Turnitin provides a digital receipt with a unique submission ID. Save or print this receipt as proof of your submission. In case of disputes or technical issues, this receipt serves as official documentation that you met the deadline.
Interpreting the Similarity Report
Understanding the Similarity Score
The similarity score represents the percentage of text in your assignment that matches sources in Turnitin’s database. A high score doesn’t automatically mean plagiarism, just as a low score doesn’t always guarantee originality.
Generally:
- 0-15% is considered acceptable, especially if the matches come from references or commonly used phrases.
- 16-40% may raise questions, and it’s wise to review the matched sections.
- Above 40% often signals excessive similarity and should be discussed with your instructor.
Analyze the Color-Coded Report
Turnitin’s similarity report uses colors to indicate levels of similarity, with red showing the highest match and blue the lowest. Review each highlighted section and ensure that quoted or paraphrased material is properly cited. If your institution allows you to view the report before the deadline, make revisions based on what you see.
Revise if Necessary
If allowed, take advantage of multiple submission opportunities. Use your similarity report to identify problem areas and make appropriate changes. This may include rephrasing content, adding citations, or removing unnecessary quotes.
Best Practices for Academic Integrity
Avoid Contract Cheating
Never purchase assignments or use work written by someone else. Turnitin’s evolving algorithms and instructor familiarity with your writing style make it easier than ever to detect such breaches. Academic dishonesty can result in severe penalties, including suspension or expulsion.
Stay Informed About AI-Generated Text
As artificial intelligence tools become more common, some students might use them to write parts of their assignments. Be aware that many institutions now use tools that detect AI-generated content in conjunction with Turnitin. While it’s fine to use AI for brainstorming or grammar checking, always ensure that your work reflects your original thoughts and understanding.
Maintain Consistency in Your Writing Style
Sudden shifts in tone, vocabulary, or sentence structure can raise red flags for instructors. Be consistent with your writing style and voice throughout the assignment. This helps establish credibility and reduces suspicion of outside help.
Final Checks Before Submission
Proofread Thoroughly
Before finalizing your submission, review your work for grammar, spelling, clarity, and coherence. Tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Editor can assist, but don’t rely on them entirely. Reading your work aloud can help catch errors you might otherwise miss.
Double-Check All Citations
Make a final check of all in-text citations and the bibliography or reference list. Confirm that every source mentioned in the body is listed in the reference section and that the formatting is consistent.
Confirm Submission Details
Ensure that the assignment title, your name, student ID, and any other required information are correctly entered on the submission form. Mistakes here can lead to administrative issues or misattribution of your work.
Conclusion
Mastering Turnitin isn’t just about avoiding plagiarism—it’s about embracing academic integrity and producing work that reflects your own knowledge and effort. By understanding how the platform works, preparing your assignments carefully, and interpreting the similarity reports wisely, you can navigate Turnitin with confidence. Use it not as a policing tool but as a resource to help you grow as a critical thinker, researcher, and writer.