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Turnitin

Interpreting the Similarity Report

  • The Similarity Report will rate your work with a Similarity Index.
  • The Similarity Index is a percentage of how much of your work matches other works in the Turnitin database.
  • The Similarity Index is color coded:
    • BLUE - no matching text
    • GREEN - one word to 24% matching text
    • YELLOW - 25%-49% matching text
    • ORANGE - 50%-74% matching text
    • RED - 75%-100% matching text
  • REMEMBER: Having similarities in your work DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN you have committed plagiarism.  Your instructor will review the similarities and determine their nature.  They will see exactly which part(s) of your work matched other works.  For instance, if you quoted something in your assignment, the instructor will be able to see that your quoted phrase matches another work exactly (the original work where you took the quote from).  Turnitin DOES NOT determine whether you have quoted or cited correctly.  It ONLY points out similarities of any kind.
  • If you are concerned about your Similarity Index, or your Similarity Report, discuss your concerns with your instructor.