Introduction
Plagiarism is one of the most serious academic issues in the IB Diploma Programme, and IB Film is no exception. Whether you’re writing a textual analysis, a comparative study, or portfolio reflections, your work must be your own. Examiners want to see original analysis, cultural awareness, and personal reflection, not copied ideas.
This guide will show you how to avoid plagiarism in IB Film coursework and maintain academic integrity while still drawing inspiration from film scholarship.
Quick Start Checklist for Avoiding Plagiarism
- Always cite sources for cultural or historical research.
- Put ideas into your own words instead of copying.
- Use film vocabulary confidently without over-relying on critics.
- Reflect on your personal insights.
- Use plagiarism-check tools if available.
- When in doubt, reference the source.
Step 1: Understand What Counts as Plagiarism
Plagiarism isn’t just copying text word-for-word. It also includes:
- Using a critic’s interpretation without credit.
- Borrowing cultural or historical context from an article without citation.
- Submitting someone else’s storyboard, script, or analysis.
If the idea isn’t yours, acknowledge it.
Step 2: Reference Research Correctly
Anytime you use information about film history, theory, or culture, cite your source. Example:
- “According to Bordwell and Thompson, continuity editing structures Hollywood narratives for clarity.”
Even short summaries need referencing.
