The number of writing tools is enormous today. A lot of students use them to ease their lives and produce the required writing assignments. It does not mean that these tools are insufficient or unprofessional; it means that they should be used wisely.
With the help of all the writing tools available today, students can handle their writing assignments easily and delegate some formalities to these helpers. As a result, students get motivation and inspiration to work on writing projects and dive into their issues.
As we have already mentioned, there are a lot of alternatives, both paid and free. For example, when a student turns to a custom term paper writing service, he/she is more likely to get a unique paper tailored to his/her needs. However, the predominant part of free helping tools is AI-supported applications, and that is the main trouble.
Such tools use machine algorithms to collect data from open sources and, in most cases, provide you with copy-pasted parts of various articles, research, or reports available on the web. As a result, you risk using plagiarized content if you do not cite them properly.
The cost of AI-generated and plagiarized content in academic papers is too high, and it is very important to know some essential tips on how to use AI tools correctly and omit all the risks.
1. Use it As a Starting Point
The most frequent mistake students commit is handing in the received papers as their own work. If you want to omit plagiarism, it is better to use these tools for generating ideas, outlines, or drafts.
The generated content usually lacks depth and a personal touch, but these are essential for academic writing tasks. Simply take the content as a base and expand it with your own research and voice.
2. Understand the Content
When you present the essay to your audience, it is most likely that they will ask your questions, and you should be ready for them. Thus, it’s essential to fully grasp the information provided by an AI helper. If you don’t understand the material, research it on your own or not use it in your paper.
3. Customize
Do not be surprised when you get an AI-generated text that is generic and lacks focus. Edit and revise the text to reflect your voice, perspective, and the specific needs of the assignment. Personalization will demonstrate critical thinking and a deeper engagement with the topic.
4. Cite Sources Properly
Correct citations are like another universe you should definitely visit! AI tools are machines, and they do not always provide accurate citations. When you use information or ideas suggested, it’s your own responsibility to search for the original sources and cite the information correctly. Proper citation is crucial in academic writing!
5. Stay Critical
Of course, AI tools are helpful, but relying too much on them can be the wrong path. This may hinder the development of essential academic skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and writing. Balance the use of AI with your own research, brainstorming ideas, and writing itself.
6. Proofread and Edit
Although these helpers are machines, they still can make grammar errors and use strange phrasing. Therefore, it’s essential to thoroughly proofread and edit any content generated by an AI tool.
7. Use Checkers
This is merely the most important rule! Even if you have personalized and edited the content, it’s crucial to check it with various detectors. By such checking, you will ensure that your assignment is original and meets all the academic standards.
Top Plagiarism and AI Detectors
Here are some examples of reputable checkers that can help you make sure your paper is original and has no sign of AI-generated content.
Grammarly
Most students use this tool to check their papers for grammar mistakes, but its plagiarism checker also deserves your attention. The checker is part of the premium subscription. The tool compares your text to billions of web pages and academic databases.
Copyscape
This is a very popular tool for checking web content, and it’s also used by students to detect plagiarism in academic papers. This tool will provide you with links to sources from which the plagiarized content was taken.
Small SEO Tools
This is a free plagiarism checker. It is quite simple and effective, making it a popular choice for students. While it may not be as comprehensive as paid options, it still checks content against a large database.
Originality.AI
This is a premium AI detector that specializes in detecting AI-generated content with high accuracy. It’s a favorite option among publishers, educators, and professionals.
GPTZero
This app offers a free version with limited features and a paid one with advanced detection opportunities. Of course, it’s particularly effective at identifying content generated by GPT models.
Copyleaks AI Content Detector
This tool offers both free and paid options. It supports multiple languages and provides detailed analysis, making it perfect for academic and professional use.
AI Text Classifier by OpenAI
This helper, developed by OpenAI, is a free tool designed to detect text generated by AI models like GPT-3. It’s a good option for those looking for a basic, no-cost AI detection solution.
NOTE: Different tools may use different algorithms, and it is highly recommended that you consult some of them and obtain as much evidence as possible that your paper is AI- and plagiarism-free.
We should say that AI helpers have become an integral part of students’ academic lives, and these tools really help college learners handle their writing troubles and master their skills.
Of course, you should not neglect an opportunity to ease your life, but always keep in mind that you have to double- or even triple-check your final result and make sure it does not have any sign of plagiarism or AI-generated content.
