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Open University Turnitin Guide

Turnitin is the main system the Open University (OU) uses for checking written assignments.

If you’re studying at the OU, you’ll likely use it for most of your TMAs and EMAs.

This guide walks you through what Turnitin is, how to use it, and what your similarity score really means—without any confusing jargon.

What Is Turnitin?

Turnitin is an online tool that checks your writing against a huge database of books, websites, journals, and past student work. It helps make sure your work is original and that you’ve used sources responsibly.

Think of it as a helper that keeps you on track, not something designed to catch you out.

Why the OU Uses Turnitin

The Open University uses Turnitin for a few important reasons:

  • To support good academic practice – It helps you understand how to reference properly.
  • To prevent accidental plagiarism – Sometimes mistakes happen, and Turnitin can highlight them.
  • To give tutors a clear way to review work – It makes marking and giving feedback easier.

How to Submit Your Assignment

At the OU, you submit your work through the eTMA system, which is linked to Turnitin. Here’s a simple rundown:

  1. Go to your module website.
  2. Find the TMA or EMA submission link.
  3. Upload your file (usually a Word document or PDF).
  4. Submit it and wait for the confirmation message.

Turnitin will automatically check your work after you upload it—there’s nothing extra you need to do.

Seeing Your Similarity Report

Whether you can see your similarity report depends on the module. Some OU modules let students view it, while others don’t. If you can see it, you’ll be able to check:

  • Your similarity score (a percentage)
  • Areas of your text that match other sources
  • Any referencing issues

This can be helpful for learning how to improve your academic writing over time.

Understanding the Similarity Score

Your similarity score shows what percentage of your text matches other documents. However, the number isn’t everything. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Quotes and references will always show up — and that’s normal.
  • Common phrases can match — this doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong.
  • High scores don’t always mean plagiarism — your tutor looks at context, not just the percentage.
  • Low scores don’t guarantee perfect referencing — you still need to cite properly.

At the OU, tutors review the report carefully before making any decisions.

Tips for Using Turnitin Successfully

Here are a few simple things that can help:

  • Keep track of your sources as you write — this prevents last-minute panic.
  • Use your module’s referencing guide — this ensures your citations match OU standards.
  • Don’t rely on rewriting tools — they often create confusing or incorrect text.
  • Ask your tutor if you’re unsure — they’re there to support you.

If Your Score Seems High

Don’t panic! A high score doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem. Instead:

  1. Look at the highlighted areas (if your module lets you).
  2. Check whether you’ve properly cited your sources.
  3. Look for repeated phrasing or long passages that sound too similar to the original text.
  4. Make corrections if your module allows resubmission.

If you’re worried, reach out to your tutor—they can explain what the score means in context.

Final Remarks

Turnitin is simply a tool to help you learn, grow, and write with confidence. At the Open University, it plays an important role in supporting academic integrity, but it’s also there to guide you as you develop your skills.

Once you’ve used it a few times, it becomes a normal part of submitting your assignments. And if you ever feel unsure, your module team or tutor is always ready to help.