Turnitin Report - Essay Example

Text similarity

The Turnitin report indicates that the text had a similarity index of 19%. This indicates that 19% is the overall percentage of words in the text that corresponds with information in other sources. The text matched with various publications, student papers internet sources. The text match percentages were 15 %, 7%, and 18% in terms of similarity in internet sources, publications, and student papers respectively (Walden University, 2011).

This means that the information used in the text is based on other sources. There is a resemblance between the information contained in the text to information used by other authors and students. This indicates the lack of originality of the ideas, concepts, and statistics used in the text. In addition, there is direct assimilation of information and ideas into the text without crediting the sources appropriately.

Citing sources

Some sources of matching text are cited incorrectly. This means that the contents of the text are closely similar to those contained in the original sources. This is due to copy-pasting of information, especially from internet documents and sites. In addition, this is attributable to poor paraphrasing, poor expression and summary of ideas, and poor use of statistics as well as information in the text.

To remedy this error, I should provide appropriate citations for information and ideas adopted from other authors. It is fundamental to identify factors resulting in citation errors and identify techniques that can be used to ensure appropriate citation. This involves identifying a method of citing sources, use of sentences that acknowledge the author, and use of endnotes, footnotes as well as parenthetical references. I should also familiarize myself with different citation styles so that I can learn how to cite correctly.

Use of direct quotes

The direct quotes used were not cited correctly. The use of sentences to introduce authors in the text does not substantially accredit the source of the direct quote. Direct quotes used in the text do not provide the analysis information that should be included right after them. Citing direct quotes correctly refers to the provision of appropriate tributes to the source of the direct quote used in the text. Citing for direct quotes may involve direct copy-pasting of information from the source as well as modifying the words and format of the information contained in the source with precise accreditation of the websites, publications, and students’ paper sources. The use of page numbers or paragraph numbers is highly encouraged in the use of direct quotes. This enables the reader to actually identify the quote. Long quotes should be indented while short ones should be properly introduced.

Improvement of ensuring adherence to ethical behavior and academic integrity

Several improvements can be made to ensure that academic work meets ethical behavior as well as academic integrity standards.  Principally, the use of correct citation of information obtained through personal researchers and studies can significantly improve adherence to ethical behaviors and academic integrity. In addition, the development of paraphrasing and summarizing skills can improve ethical standards in order to avoid plagiarism. The form of citation used should be appropriate for the specific discipline. It is important to consult the discipline tutor on the appropriateness of the citation method adopted.

Importance of the report

What did you learn about yourself as a writer when you were given this report?

From the Turnitin report, I have learned that information and ideas should be well understood and inferred before they are included in a text. Ideas and information acquired from other authors should be adequately credited by correctly citing the sources of the information. In addition, text similarity adversely affects the quality and originality of assignments and essays. This report has created an awareness of the instructor's expectations and has enabled me to identify a way of achieving academic excellence.

With the acquired information, I will advance my paraphrasing, note taking, and summarizing skills as well as give credit to the information as well as ideas used.  Besides, I will be able to determine the appropriateness of citations in a text. Consequently, this information has formed a foundation for maintaining ethical academic standards and academic integrity.