Most software used to check plagiarism usually stores previously submitted work or old papers. Turnitin is not an exception as it equally stores previously submitted work or old papers in its database. Once someone scans their document, Turnitin will check if there is any similarity between the new scanned document and what is stored in its database. Therefore, Turnitin checks previously submitted work or old papers as it is well stored in the database. If it finds any similarity, it will detect that plagiarism has taken place. Any reused work, even by the same author, will be detected. The moment anyone submits the documents. Turnitin stores it and will forever detect any similar content regardless of the author.
Therefore, we will discuss how Turnitin detects old papers, how to use the same and get away with it if it is safe to use old papers in college, and the legality behind Turnitin storing old papers.
Can Turnitin Detect Old Papers
Turnitin has a database that stores all the work that has ever passed through it. Therefore, it can detect old papers as they are safely stored in its database. Any document used more than once will be detected as plagiarized work that including even the work that the same person has uploaded twice. However, Turnitin will only detect old papers when a student requests their supervisor to notify Turnitin of their intention to remove their previously submitted work from Turnitin. This will take a minimum of two weeks for Turnitin to remove that work from its database. Once the same has been removed, the same student or person can reuse their work without fear of being plagiarized as the Turnitin software will not have the same data in its database.
How To Copy Old Papers Well And Get Away With It
As discussed above, Turnitin detects old papers and notices any slight similarity, leading to plagiarism. However, one can always beat the system. One can comfortably copy old papers and get away with it, especially when one is instructed to redo a previously done paper for one reason or another. We should be keen while doing it as self-plagiarism is still considered plagiarism. Below is a guide on how to do it.
- Paraphrasing is one way of coping with an old paper and getting away with it since one uses different words that mean the same thing; hence no similarity will be detected. The paraphrased document will be seen as a new item. Thus, one will get away with it.
- One can also get away with copying an old paper by quoting the original author and using proper references. The same will not be considered plagiarism once the original author and the source are well quoted and referenced.
- Rewriting the old paper is another way of getting away with copying an old paper. As much as one might use the old paper as a guide, they will rewrite it in a new manner, avoiding plagiarism.
- Adjusting the language can help one get away with copying old papers; authors can find a different language or alphabet.
- Hiring a professional writer is also another method
The above are different ways of cheating Turnitin and getting away with it; however, it is not advisable to do the same as one may be caught and their work turned down, which is a waste of time and energy. We should strive to be authentic and original.
How To Safely Use Old Papers in College
Old papers come in handy for college students as they are a major tool for doing research work. One can use it as a reference point and add weight to their arguments. There are several ways in which college students can safely use old papers.
- Firstly they can rewrite the old paper perfectly and look like a new one. One can hack this by getting the content needed from the old paper and recreating their own, thus making it into a new copy free from plagiarism.
- Paraphrasing the old paper is also another way of using old papers in college. One can opt to do synonyms and another language to have a different paper with similar content. This majorly happens when the instructor gives similar instructions as those in the old papers.
- Thirdly, college students can use old paper to support their theories. This item will have to quote everything correctly, use the correct format, and highlight the correct sources used.
- A college student can request their instructor to notify Turnitin of removing their previously submitted work. Once removed, they can use the same paper as long as the instructions are similar.
- Lastly, one can use the old paper to correct the mistakes previously made by coming up with original content from the previously submitted one.
Is It Legal For Turnitin To Store Old Paper
It is legal for Turnitin to store old papers submitted previously. Before it stores any content, it allows users to accept or disallow Turnitin from storing their data. Once accepted, it is only that it will store its data bringing about free will to its users. Turnitin also allows anyone to remove their content through their instructors leading to the freedom of choice. One can decide how long their paper will be stored in the Turnitin database.
Furthermore, the United States Court of Appeal rendered that the services offered by Turnitin belong to the fair use exception following the information in the Turnitin official blog. This means that Turnitin can legally store old papers; they are within the legal parameters of the land. Lastly, accepting and agreeing to the terms and conditions laid down by turning it in means that one has willingly entered into an agreement with them and agrees that their papers will be stored in their database, making it a legal agreement.
Conclusion
Turnitin has the mandate of checking previously submitted work or old paper to scan for plagiarism later. It helps to protect other people’s work and to avoid copyright issues. Students should be aware that plagiarism is an offense and should always deter it, even when it is self-plagiarism. Originality goes a long way and will help the same students be more creative. Turnitin aids in protecting people’s work by storing people’s data in its database. We should all avoid plagiarism!
