Originality is of utmost importance in academic writing : what counts as original?

Abstract

Academic research is a critical process for asking questions. Sometimes asking and attempting to answer questions involves a questionnaire sometimes an in-depth interview. sometimes an experiment. and sometimes an entirely different and perhaps original method 'of research created by the researcher. However, what is a definition of originality in academic work? What is the relevance of originality? What is its importance, if at all?

For example. originality in the assessment of a dissertation at the Faculty of Laws carries a substantially high fifty-five percent of the total marks. Additionally, law students are expected to submit their assignment through an electronic screening tool to detect plagiarism. and ascertain that the work carries an acceptable level of 'originality'. Generally, the higher the similarity rate, the lower the originality, and vice-versa. Plagiarism is a serious breach of intellectual property rights. and can be severely penalised. In September 2017, the University of Malta published a Plagiarism Screening Policy for student assignments. dissertations and theses. So, what counts as 'original' in academic writing? The discussion that follows is precisely an attempt at answering that question.