Turnitin Similarity Report
Turnitin Feedback Studio is a tool designed to help improve your academic writing by identifying instances of unintentional plagiarism. When you submit your work, Turnitin compares it against a vast database of web pages, academic journals, articles, and other student submissions, then generates a report for you to review.
This guide will show you how to submit to an Assessment Dropbox and then view the Turnitin Similarity report.
On this page:
Related guides
- Referencing support, tools and resources
- Library guides & online resources
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Integrity Guidelines
Submit to an Assessment Dropbox
Some Assessment Dropboxes in your unit spaces use Turnitin to check for similarity.
Before submitting your final work, you can first upload a draft to the Turnitin Check – Test Folder in the Student Induction space.
This test folder allows you to:
- Submit a draft version of your assignment
- Review the Turnitin Similarity Report
- Make any necessary changes before submitting to your unit’s official Assessment Dropbox
To submit, take the steps below, or see Submitting to, and Viewing Feedback, in the Assessment Dropbox for more instructions.
1. In the Student Induction space, on the navbar, select Assessments (1), then Dropbox (2).
2. Select the Turnitin Check - Test Folder (1).
3. Carefully review the assignment details. Look out for the following:
- Turnitin usage: If Turnitin is enabled, you will see the message "This assignment will be submitted to Turnitin"
- Assessment declaration: You’ll be asked to confirm that you agree to the assessment declaration upon submission. This confirms that the work is your own and complies with academic integrity standards.
- Accepted File Types: Check which file formats are allowed for submission (e.g., .docx, .pdf).
4. Select a file and submit
- Click Add a File
- In the pop-up window, select the file location (i.e. My Computer), then locate and select your file.
- When ready click Submit
- Review assessment submission, then click Done
Similarity Report
Access the Similarity Report
In Higher Ed and Student Induction spaces
- 1. In HE units and Student Induction space, on the navbar, select Assessments, then Dropbox.
- 2. Under the Completion Status column, select the submissions link (1), or View History.
- 3. Select the Similarity Report score (1), to access the report.
In TAFE spaces
- 1. On the Navigation Bar, select Submission Folder
- 2. From the list, select the required Dropbox, then click Apply
- 3. Select the Similarity Report score, to access the report.
View the Similarity Report
Feedback Studio displays the similarity report, with highlighted matches. Take some time to become familiar with the interface:
- Layers (1) toggle on/off
- Feedback (2) (if provided)
- Similarity (3)
- Download (digital receipt) and Document Information (4)
- Navigate between pages, by expanding the thumbnail bar (5) and locking open
- Word count (6) and resize (7) submission view.
Review your report to check:
- Quoted text (highlighted text), has quotation marks and in-text citation
- Paraphrased text, is written in your own words (not just a couple of words changed), and has a citation
- You are not over-using quotations, and;
- You are using the correct referencing style.
Support and Resources
Exploring the Similarity Report
- Navigating the student Similarity Report, by Turnitin
- Using exclusions and filters, by Turnitin
Academic Integrity
- Library guides & online resources
- Library: Academic Integrity at VU: Home
- Library: Workshops and Drop-In Sessions
- VU referencing style guides
Writing, Academic & Study Skils