Academic Integrity, Plagiarism & Turnitin – FAQ (IB Programme)

Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else’s ideas, words, or work as your own without proper acknowledgment. This includes:

• Copying text directly from a source without quotation marks or citation.
• Paraphrasing someone else’s ideas without giving credit.
• Using images, data, or media without proper attribution.
• Submitting work created by someone else (e.g., buying essays online).

The IB emphasizes academic integrity and the development of original thinking. Plagiarism undermines these values and is considered a breach of trust. It can lead to penalties, including:

• Loss of marks.
• Disqualification from the IB Diploma.
• A permanent record of academic misconduct.

Consequences depend on the severity of the offense but may include:

• A failing grade for the assignment or subject.
• Disqualification from the IB Diploma.
• A report sent to universities or other institutions.
• Damage to your academic reputation.

To avoid plagiarism:

• Cite all sources using proper citation styles. Preferred style at MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul School is APA 7th Edition.
• Use quotation marks when directly quoting a source and cite it.
• Paraphrase correctly: rewrite ideas in your own words and still cite the original source.
• Keep track of sources and maintain a detailed bibliography as you research.
• Submit original work for all assignments, including the Extended Essay and TOK essay.

Yes, the IB uses advanced plagiarism detection software (e.g., Turnitin) to screen student work, including Extended Essays, TOK essays, and internal assessments. Schools may also use similar tools to check work before submission.

Collaboration is allowed in certain cases (e.g., group projects), but you must clearly distinguish between individual and group contributions. For individual assignments (e.g., Extended Essay, TOK essay), collaboration is considered collusion, a form of plagiarism, and is strictly prohibited.

Collusion occurs when students work together on assignments meant to be completed individually and submit identical or similar work. While plagiarism involves using someone else’s work without credit, collusion involves unauthorized collaboration. Both are considered academic misconduct in the IB.

Using AI tools to generate content without proper acknowledgment is considered plagiarism. If you use AI tools for research or brainstorming, you must:

• Clearly state how the tool was used.
• Ensure the final work is your own.
• Cite any AI-generated content if directly quoted or paraphrased.

The IB requires students to use recognized citation styles, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago. Always include:

• In-text citations for quotes and paraphrases.
• A complete bibliography or reference list at the end of your work.

If you realize you’ve accidentally plagiarized:

• Inform your teacher or supervisor immediately.
• Correct the mistake by properly citing the source.
• Learn from the experience to avoid future issues.

Honesty and proactive communication can sometimes mitigate the consequences.

Yes, self-plagiarism (reusing your own previously submitted work without permission) is also considered academic misconduct. You must create original content for each assignment.

• Start early to avoid last-minute copying.
• Keep detailed notes and track all sources.
• Use plagiarism detection tools to check your work before submission.
• Follow your supervisor’s guidance on proper citation and referencing.

If your school detects plagiarism, they may:

• Ask you to rewrite the assignment.
• Impose internal penalties (e.g., lower grades).
• Report the incident to the IB if the offense is severe.

It’s better to address plagiarism at the school level before it reaches the IB.

Yes, you can appeal if you believe the accusation is unfair. However, you must provide evidence to support your case. Appeals are handled by the IB’s academic integrity team.

Refer to:

• Your school’s academic honesty policy.
• The IB’s official guidelines on academic integrity.
• Resources provided by your teachers or the IB coordinator.