Academic Essay Writing Guidelines

A standardized style guide for academic writing, including in-text citations (referencing within the text) and a reference list (bibliography) of sources.

Brief references within the essay text to the sources you used for information or ideas.

A complete list of all sources used in your essay, formatted according to a specific style guide (e.g., APA).

A standard organization of ideas in an essay, typically including introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Evaluating sources and information objectively and thoughtfully, offering your own interpretations and assessments.

A measure of how similar your essay is to other texts.

Restating information from a source in your own words.

A formal piece of writing that presents a researched argument or analysis of a topic based on evidence from reliable sources.

A software tool that compares your work to online resources to detect similarities and identify potential plagiarism.

A percentage score indicating how similar your assignment is to existing online content.

A percentage threshold, often 20% or less, that signifies a sufficient level of originality in your work.

A grave offense that violates academic integrity and is considered a sin in Islam.

A formal piece of writing requiring research, referencing, a bibliography, and specific formatting, often including prewriting and final draft sections.

The initial stage of writing, focused on generating ideas and planning the paper's structure before writing the final draft.

The final version of the writing piece, after prewriting and revisions, presenting the developed ideas in a structured and organized manner.

To gather information and evidence from credible sources, for academic purposes.

Using accurate and consistent citations to acknowledge the sources of information used in the assignment.

Reliable sources of information, such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites, that provide accurate, unbiased, and up-to-date information.

A list of all sources consulted and cited in an academic assignment, presented in a specific format.

The required method for handing in the assignment, directly from Microsoft Word.

Using someone else's work (ideas, words, or writing) without giving them credit. This includes copying, quoting without referencing, and presenting others' ideas as your own.

Presenting someone else's work as your own, failing to acknowledge the source of ideas or writings, and passing off the work of others as your own.

Penalties for plagiarism can vary from reduced marks to the rejection of your work. It can also damage your academic reputation and future opportunities.

Acknowledging the sources of information and ideas used in your work by using quotation marks for direct quotes and providing accurate citations.

It shows respect for the original authors, avoids plagiarism, and allows readers to find the original sources for further research.

Use quotation marks for direct quotes, cite all sources, paraphrase information in your own words, and take notes in your own style before writing your assignment.

The International Open University has a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism and will penalize students found plagiarizing, with penalties ranging from reduced marks to rejection of the assignment.