The software identifies different overlaps across the document. Among such fragments there can occur potential plagiarisms alongside properly arranged quotations or commonly used word combinations. If we concern only the statistics reports of a specialized software product, the total level of the text originality can turn out to be inadequately lower.

2. Which are the permissible volumes (percentage) of the borrowed text, quotation or self-quotation? 

For the present moment, there do not exist any quantitative restrictions either for borrowings, or for original text and (self) quotations. 

3. Do they count for little volumes of plagiarisms?

Even small volumes of plagiarisms (less than 1%) are breaching copyright. 

4. Why do we need the expert evaluation report when dealing with the originality-check of research texts?

The software identifies overlaps contained in the checked text as compared with the texts of the sources, but the software does not identify the origin of the coincidences. Certain fragments would turn out to be quotations (with all necessary attributions) or commonly used expressions or terms. Taking into considerations the report of the software on its primary check without distinguishing such non-plagiaristic fragments could result in inadequate lowering the text-originality level.

5. Does the computer check guarantee a 100%- accuracy of the information?

No, it doesn’t. Any kind of software finds diverse similarities, and they are not always plagiarisms. The essence of the overlapping fragments revealed can be evaluated only by a specialist. 

6. How is one to deal with the fact that software would describe commonly used word combinations and terms as plagiarisms?

The phenomenon is typical for the modern times. That is why the software report is to be verified by a specialist.

7. What does the term “original text” mean?

In terms of the RSL plagiarism check, an “original text” is the text with no plagiarisms from the sources across which the check is realized.

8. How to quote not to make the quotation a plagiarism?

When quoting, do not forget to credit the sources. The information on the sources in your reference list (or bibliography) is to be accurate and arranged in accordance with the accepted standard. You are welcome to view details in section “Reference materials” and “Materials on the theme of the project”.

9. Is it plagiarism to use quotations from legal documents?

Texts of laws and other documents are not copyright, but the quotation rules are the same as for all other sources. In case those rules are violated, the quotation becomes plagiarism. 

10. Is a paraphrase plagiarism?

Paraphrase (putting a piece of text into your own words) can be plagiarism if the sources are not cited. 

11. What is a “paraphrase”?

For the present moment, linguists give the term of “paraphrase” different meanings. Sometimes it would mean “paraphrasing” as putting the same idea into other words, or referring the same idea to another situation. Sometimes it would mean “using periphrasis” (describing something instead of naming it directly). Still the idea of transforming the wording of the original text lays in the basis. 

12. What is “patchwork plagiarism”?

This is a text composed by way of combining the results of other people’s research and ideas without thinking over the materials or making original conclusions. 

13. How do they treat the borrowings when ideas remain the same while wording differs from the sources? 

The degree of originality (irrespective wording) would be established depending on the accuracy of   attributions and accuracy of arrangement of the reference list (bibliography).