Turnitin as a Text Matching Tool

Turnitin is a third-party service that matches text from student assignments against its extensive databases of previously submitted student coursework, websites and academic papers. Turnitin produces a similarity report and a score (%) of matched text.

While Turnitin as a ‘text-matching tool’ is a useful indicator to markers of the extent of matched text within a document, it is not a plagiarism detection tool. It is no replacement for academic knowledge and judgment in determining cases of academic misconduct/plagiarism. This tool should instead be used to educate students about academic integrity, and as a developmental tool to improve students’ academic writing.

The following guides will support you in understanding what is involved when using Turnitin as a text matching tool: