Addressing High Turnitin Similarity Scores: Steps and Best Practices
When using Turnitin to check your academic work, a high similarity score can be both frustrating and concerning. However, with the right approach, you can effectively address this issue and improve the originality of your work. This article outlines a series of steps and best practices to help you reduce the similarity score.
Review the Similarity Report
The first step in addressing a high Turnitin similarity score is to thoroughly review the similarity report. This report highlights which sections of your work have a high similarity to other sources. By closely examining these flagged sections, you can identify specific phrases or sentences that are causing the high score.
Identify the Sources
Understanding the sources of the high similarity is crucial. Determine whether the similarities are from published articles, websites, or other students' submissions. Knowing the source can help you decide how to revise your work appropriately. For instance, if the similarities come from a published article, you may need to cite it properly, while if they come from another student's submission, you may need to paraphrase more carefully.
Paraphrase and Summarize
Paraphrasing and summarizing are essential techniques for reducing similarity scores. Rewrite the flagged sections in your own words, ensuring that you convey the same ideas without using the exact phrasing. This process helps maintain the original meaning of your work while minimizing similarity. Keep in mind that changing only a few words is not sufficient; substantial rephrasing is required.
Cite Properly
Proper citation is a crucial aspect of academic writing. Ensure that all quotes, paraphrases, and references are accurately cited according to the required citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.). Proper citation not only helps reduce your similarity score but also demonstrates your understanding of academic integrity and proper attribution.
Add Your Analysis
Incorporating your own analysis and interpretation can significantly increase the originality of your work. Include your thoughts, interpretations, and personal analyses to distinguish your writing from the sources you consulted. This not only reduces the similarity score but also strengthens your argument or discussion, making your work more compelling and credible.
Use Original Ideas
Whenever possible, incorporate your unique insights or findings. Original ideas not only reduce similarity but also highlight your contribution to the academic discourse. If your high similarity includes common knowledge, there is usually no need to worry, as common knowledge does not need to be cited.
Consult Your Instructor
If you are unsure about how to proceed or if you believe your work is original, it is wise to discuss the situation with your instructor. They can provide valuable guidance and may offer insights into how to further improve your submission. A quick consultation can save you from unnecessary revisions and ensure that your work meets academic standards.
Use Writing Tools
Consider using writing tools or services that can assist with paraphrasing and citation. Tools like Grammarly and Turnitin’s Plum_contract can help you ensure that your work is original and properly cited. These tools can be invaluable in reducing your similarity score and improving the quality of your work.
Revise and Resubmit
After making the necessary changes, resubmit your work to Turnitin to check the new similarity score. Repeat this process until your score is low or as low as necessary for your institution's requirements. Thorough review and revision are key to achieving the desired outcome.
By following these steps and best practices, you can effectively address a high Turnitin similarity score and improve the originality and quality of your academic work. Remember, the goal is to produce writing that is both original and well-cited, ensuring that you maintain academic integrity while also showcasing your unique insights and contributions.