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Using Turnitin to Improve Your Writing & Interpret Similarity Scores
Overview
Turnitin is more than a plagiarism detector; it’s a writing improvement tool. This guide will help you use Turnitin effectively to strengthen your writing, cite sources correctly, and better understand Similarity scores
What is Turnitin
Turnitin is an academic tool that checks your submission against a global database of:
- Web content
- Student papers
- Academic journals and publications
It provides an Similarity Report showing any matched content and calculates an Similarity Score (a percentage).
What Turnitin Can’t Do
- It does not detect plagiarism perfectly, it just shows similarities.
- It does not check for grammar, use Grammarly or spell check for that. (Link to Grammarly)
- It can flag properly cited quotes, this is normal.
How to Use Turnitin Effectively
Before You Submit Your Final Draft:
- Upload a draft early (if allowed) to review your Similarity Report.
- Look for highlighted text that may need proper citation, quotation marks, or rewording.
- Revise your draft before submitting the final version.
Tip: Many instructors allow a resubmission window. Use it to improve your work.
Understanding Your Turnitin Similarity Score
Color | Score Range | What It Means | Should I Be Concerned? |
Green | 0% | No matching Content | Strong originality. Still double-check citations. |
Blue | 1–24% | Some common phrases or sources | Likely fine. Review for correct citation and formatting. |
Yellow | 25–49% | Reused content may be too high | May include too much quoted or closely paraphrased content. Revise. |
Orange | 50-74% | High matching | Content may be over-reliant on sources. Revise immediately. |
Red | 75-100% | Excessive matching
| Revise immediately: likely poor paraphrasing or missing citations
|
Reminder: Turnitin does not judge intent. It flags matches, but it’s up to you and your instructor to interpret them.
Visit Turnitin’s Guides for the latest guides for Navigating the Student Similarity Report
Best Practices for Reducing Similarity Score
- Quote & cite all direct quotes.
- Paraphrase instead of copying but still cite the source.
- Avoid copying assignment prompts—this can trigger false positives.
- Use your own words and structure to demonstrate understanding.
Need Help with APA Format?
Be sure to reference the Capitol Technology University APA Style Guide for guidance on formatting, citations, and references. You can also consult the APA 7th Edition Manual for more detailed explanations and examples. Using these resources will help ensure your writing meets academic standards and avoids citation errors.
When to Ask for Help
Contact your instructor if:
- You’re unsure why something was flagged
- You need help with paraphrasing or citation
- You want feedback on your writing or report interpretation
Final Thought
Using Turnitin wisely helps you become a stronger, more ethical writer. Treat the Similarity Report as feedback; not punishment.
Troubleshooting
- My Similarity Report isn’t showing up: Some instructors set assignments so that the Similarity Report is only visible after the due date or only on the final submission. Check the assignment settings or ask your instructor directly.
- I submitted the wrong file: If your instructor allows resubmissions, you can upload a new file before the due date. If not, contact your instructor as soon as possible.
- My quoted or cited content was flagged: Turnitin may flag properly cited content. This is normal. Make sure quotation marks and citations are correct and include a full reference.
- My Similarity Score seems too high, but I didn’t plagiarize: Review your report for overused phrases, closely paraphrased sections, or missing citations. Even accidental mistakes can inflate your score. Use this as an opportunity to revise and improve.
- I can’t access Turnitin or get an error message when submitting: Ensure you’re using a supported browser and a stable internet connection. Try clearing your browser cache or switching devices. If the issue continues, contact your instructor or campus IT support.
Still Need Help?
If you’re still unsure about your Turnitin report or need help with citation, paraphrasing, or using the platform:
- Contact your instructor for questions about the assignment settings or your Similarity Report.
- Email ask@captechu.edu for tech-related support or questions about Turnitin access through Canvas.
- Refer to Turnitin’s Student Support Guides for walkthroughs and video tutorials.
Remember, Turnitin is a tool to help you grow as a writer. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask—we’re here to support you.