Introduction
Plagiarism is one of the most serious mistakes a student can make in the IB Diploma Programme. In an Internal Assessment (IA), plagiarism not only lowers your grade but can also lead to academic misconduct investigations. Even unintentional plagiarism — forgetting to cite or paraphrasing poorly — can cost you marks.
The good news is that avoiding plagiarism in your IA is straightforward if you understand the rules. In this guide, we’ll cover how to cite correctly, paraphrase effectively, and maintain academic honesty. For real examples of IAs that meet IB standards, check RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Quick Start Checklist: Avoiding IA Plagiarism
- Always credit sources with in-text citations
- Use quotation marks for direct quotes
- Paraphrase instead of copying sentences
- Keep a running bibliography as you write
- Double-check citation formatting before submission
Step 1: Understand What Counts as Plagiarism
Plagiarism isn’t just copying entire passages. It includes:
- Using someone else’s words without citation
- Copying graphs, tables, or images without credit
- Paraphrasing too closely to the original wording
- Submitting work that isn’t entirely your own
Examiners are trained to detect plagiarism, and IB takes it seriously.
Step 2: Use In-Text Citations
Every time you use information from a source — whether it’s a fact, statistic, or idea — include an in-text citation.
Examples:
- APA: (Smith, 2020)
- MLA: (Smith 45)
Consistency is more important than the specific style, but follow one format throughout your IA.
Step 3: Paraphrase Effectively
Paraphrasing doesn’t mean swapping a few words. It means re-expressing the idea fully in your own words while giving credit to the source.
- Weak paraphrase (too close): “The experiment showed that caffeine significantly affected heart rate.”
- Strong paraphrase: “Research suggests caffeine increases heart rate by stimulating the nervous system (Jones, 2019).”
Strong paraphrasing reduces plagiarism risk and strengthens clarity.
Step 4: Use Direct Quotes Sparingly
Quotes can be effective, but overusing them weakens your IA. Use them only when wording is unique or significant.
Example:
- Direct quote: “We shall fight on the beaches…” (Churchill, 1940).
- Then analyze the significance in your own words.
Always integrate quotes into your analysis rather than letting them stand alone.
Step 5: Keep a Running Bibliography
Don’t wait until the end of your IA to create your bibliography. Keep track of every source as you go. Tools like Zotero, EasyBib, or citation generators can help, but always double-check formatting.
Step 6: Credit Visuals and Data
Plagiarism isn’t limited to text. Any graph, image, or dataset must also be credited. Even if you modify a graph, cite the original source.
Example:
“Adapted from WHO Data, 2021.”
This small step protects you from academic dishonesty.
Step 7: Use a Plagiarism Checker
Before submitting your IA, run it through a plagiarism checker. While not perfect, tools like Turnitin or Grammarly can flag missed citations. Examiners use similar software, so it’s better to catch mistakes early.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Plagiarism
- Forgetting to cite after paraphrasing.
- Copying figures or tables without attribution.
- Mixing citation styles.
- Over-relying on direct quotes.
- Using friends’ work or online essays as your own.
Why Exemplars Are Helpful
If you’re unsure how to balance your own writing with sources, reviewing models is the best guide. RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars showcase IAs that meet IB academic honesty standards.
FAQs on Plagiarism in IAs
1. Can I use websites like Wikipedia as sources?
You can for background, but examiners prefer academic or primary sources. Always cite if you use information.
2. What if I accidentally forget a citation?
It still counts as plagiarism. Always double-check references before submitting.
3. Do I need to cite common knowledge?
No — facts like “World War II ended in 1945” don’t need citations. But interpretations or data always do.
4. Can I reuse parts of my own previous work?
No — self-plagiarism is also against IB rules. Each IA must be original.
5. Where can I see examples of plagiarism-free IAs?
Check RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which model proper citation and referencing.
Conclusion
Avoiding plagiarism in your IA is about discipline and honesty. By using citations consistently, paraphrasing effectively, limiting direct quotes, crediting visuals, and keeping a running bibliography, you’ll ensure your IA is academically sound. For real examples of IAs that followed these standards, review RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Call to Action
Want to make sure your IA is plagiarism-free? Explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars today and learn how top students cited sources correctly.
