How to use Similarity Checker in Microsoft Word

Mike Tholfsen
28 Sept 202003:14

TLDRThe video tutorial demonstrates how to use the Similarity Checker feature in Microsoft Word, which is particularly useful for students to ensure their work is free from unintentional plagiarism. The feature is part of the A3 or A5 Microsoft 365 subscriptions and not available in the A1 subscription. The presenter guides viewers through creating a new Word document, inserting text from sources like encyclopedia Britannica and Wikipedia, and then using the Similarity Checker to identify and properly cite similar content found online. The editor tool within Word assists in adding in-text citations in various styles, such as MLA and Chicago, and copying full citations for a bibliography. The video encourages students to utilize this tool for independent practice before submitting their documents.

Takeaways

  • 📚 Use the similarity checker in Microsoft Word to prevent accidental plagiarism or missing citations.
  • 💡 This feature is available in A3 or A5 Microsoft 365 subscriptions, not in A1.
  • 📝 Start by creating a new Word document and writing your paper.
  • 🔍 The similarity checker can be found on the Home tab in Word for the web or the Review tab in the desktop version.
  • 🌐 It uses Bing to search the web for exact matches of your content.
  • 📌 Easily add in-text citations with default MLA style or switch to other styles like Chicago.
  • 🟢 Content with added citations is highlighted in green to indicate it has been checked.
  • 📋 Copy full citations to paste into your bibliography for a complete reference.
  • 🎓 This tool is particularly useful for students to check their documents before submission.
  • 👍 Encourages independent practice in checking for similarities and proper citation.
  • 📢 Subscribe to the channel and ring the bell for notifications on new quick tip videos.
  • ⚠️ Remember, if you have an A1 subscription, the similarity checker will not be visible in the editor.

Q & A

  • What is the purpose of the similarity checker in Microsoft Word?

    -The similarity checker in Microsoft Word is designed to help students and authors ensure that their work does not inadvertently plagiarize or forget to cite sources. It checks the content against online sources to find any exact matches.

  • Is the similarity checker feature available in all Microsoft 365 subscriptions?

    -No, the similarity checker is only part of the A3 or A5 Microsoft 365 subscriptions. It is not available in the A1 subscriptions.

  • How does one start using the similarity checker in Word for the web?

    -To start using the similarity checker, you first create a new Word document, then navigate to the 'Home' tab, locate the 'Editor' on the right side, and click on it to access the similarity checker.

  • What does the editor in Microsoft Word do?

    -The editor in Microsoft Word provides scoring for grammar and style, offers corrections and refinements, and includes the similarity checker which compares the document's content with online sources.

  • How does the similarity checker assist with citations?

    -The similarity checker can automatically detect similarities to online sources and provide options to add in-text citations in various citation styles, such as MLA or Chicago, directly within the document.

  • What happens when a similarity is found in a document?

    -When a similarity is found, the user can add an in-text citation for that specific source. The text is highlighted in green to indicate that it has been checked for similarity.

  • Can the user change the citation style used by the similarity checker?

    -Yes, the user can change the citation style from the default MLA to another style, such as Chicago, when adding an in-text citation.

  • How can a user add a full citation for a bibliography?

    -After using the similarity checker to add an in-text citation, the user can copy the full citation by clicking the option to do so and then paste it into the bibliography section of the document.

  • What is the importance of the similarity checker for students?

    -The similarity checker is an independent practice tool for students to ensure their documents are free from plagiarism and properly cited, which is crucial before submitting their work.

  • Is there a specific way to format the text before using the similarity checker?

    -While the script doesn't specify a particular formatting requirement before using the similarity checker, it does mention formatting the text, which implies that the document should be properly set up with paragraphs and other standard formatting for the checker to work effectively.

  • How does the similarity checker use Bing in its process?

    -The similarity checker uses Bing's search capabilities to compare the document's content with what's available on the web, helping to identify any exact matches and potential plagiarism.

  • What is the recommendation for students regarding the use of the similarity checker?

    -Students are encouraged to use the similarity checker as an independent practice to check their documents before turning them in to avoid plagiarism and ensure proper citation.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Word Similarity Checker

The video begins with an introduction to the Word Similarity Checker, a feature available in Word for the web as part of the editor. This tool is particularly useful for students who want to ensure their work is original and properly cited. The presenter explains that the feature is only available with A3 or A5 Microsoft 365 subscriptions. The video then demonstrates how to start a new Word document and incorporate text from sources like Encyclopedia Britannica and Wikipedia into a paper on the Amazon rainforest. The presenter also shows how to use the similarity checker to identify and properly cite content from online sources.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Similarity Checker

A tool within Microsoft Word that helps to identify and prevent plagiarism by comparing written content with online sources. In the video, it is used to ensure that the student's paper on the Amazon rainforest does not inadvertently copy content from encyclopedia Britannica and Wikipedia.

💡Microsoft Word

A widely used word processing software developed by Microsoft. It is the platform where the Similarity Checker feature is integrated. The video demonstrates how to use this software for academic writing.

💡Plagiarism

The act of using someone else's work without proper attribution, which is considered unethical and can lead to academic penalties. The video emphasizes the importance of avoiding plagiarism by using the Similarity Checker.

💡Citations

References to the sources of information used in a written work. Proper citation is crucial for academic integrity. The Similarity Checker assists in adding citations automatically when it detects similar content.

💡MLA Style

A widely used citation style in the humanities. The video shows how to add in-text citations in MLA style using the Similarity Checker.

💡Chicago Style

Another citation style often used in social sciences and history. The video demonstrates the option to change the citation style to Chicago within the Similarity Checker tool.

💡Bing

A search engine used by the Similarity Checker to compare the student's text against online content. It helps in ensuring that the content is original and not copied from the web.

💡A3 or A5 M 365 Subscriptions

Specific Microsoft 365 subscription plans that include advanced features like the Similarity Checker. The video notes that this feature is not available in the A1 subscription plan.

💡Editor

A feature in Microsoft Word that provides suggestions for grammar and style improvements. It is mentioned in the video as being part of the same tab where the Similarity Checker is located.

💡Bibliography

A list of sources cited in a written work. The video demonstrates how to copy the full citation from the Similarity Checker and paste it into the bibliography section of the paper.

💡Academic Writing

The process of writing assignments, papers, and articles for academic purposes. The video focuses on the use of the Similarity Checker as a tool to support academic writing by ensuring originality and proper citation.

💡Subscription

A payment plan that provides access to a service or software. In the context of the video, it refers to the Microsoft 365 subscription plans necessary to access the Similarity Checker feature.

Highlights

Demonstration of using the word similarity checker in Microsoft Word for the web and part of the editor.

The feature helps students check their work for unintentional plagiarism and missing citations.

Similarity checker is only available with A3 or A5 Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

Creating a new Word document to write a paper on the Amazon rainforest.

Pasting a passage from Encyclopedia Britannica into the document.

Adding content from Wikipedia to the paper.

Formatting the text and preparing the paper for similarity check.

Accessing the similarity checker from the Home tab in Word for the web.

The editor provides a scoring system and suggestions for corrections.

Similarity check searches the web using Bing to find matches to the document's content.

Adding an in-text citation with the default MLA style.

Option to change the citation style, such as switching to Chicago style.

The similarity checked content is highlighted in green within the document.

Copying the full citation for inclusion in a bibliography.

Similarity checking is an independent practice encouraged for students before submission.

The feature is not available in A1 subscriptions.

Encouragement for students to use the similarity checker as a practice.

Subscription reminder and call to like and subscribe for more quick tip videos.