ENG1503
Assignment 2
Semester 2
Unique No: 737611
DUE 17 September 2025
, ASSIGNMENT: 02 COMPULSORY: YES
OPENED: TUESDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 2025, 8:00 AM
DUE: WEDNESDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2025, 9:00 PM
UNIQUE NUMBER: 737611
Does the Use of LLMs Constitute Plagiarism?
Introduction
Artificial intelligence tools such as Large Language Models (LLMs) are increasingly
embedded in higher education. Their ability to generate structured essays and complex
arguments has raised concerns about academic honesty. While some view the outputs
of LLMs as a new form of plagiarism, others argue that these tools should be
understood as writing aids rather than deceptive substitutes. This essay argues that
LLM-generated text does not inherently constitute plagiarism, but the ethical risk
emerges when students fail to acknowledge their use. The essay further explains why
the distinction between tool and author matters, and suggests strategies universities
can implement to safeguard their qualifications.
LLMs as Tools, Not Authors
Plagiarism traditionally involves copying someone else’s intellectual work without
attribution. However, Naithani (2025) notes that LLMs operate through systematic data
processing rather than independent authorship. Since these systems lack
consciousness and ownership of ideas, their outputs cannot be equated with stolen
work. Instead, they are better understood as tools, similar to grammar checkers or
translation software. What matters is not the tool itself, but how transparently the
student reports its role in the writing process.
Misuse Versus Inherent Plagiarism
Assignment 2
Semester 2
Unique No: 737611
DUE 17 September 2025
, ASSIGNMENT: 02 COMPULSORY: YES
OPENED: TUESDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 2025, 8:00 AM
DUE: WEDNESDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2025, 9:00 PM
UNIQUE NUMBER: 737611
Does the Use of LLMs Constitute Plagiarism?
Introduction
Artificial intelligence tools such as Large Language Models (LLMs) are increasingly
embedded in higher education. Their ability to generate structured essays and complex
arguments has raised concerns about academic honesty. While some view the outputs
of LLMs as a new form of plagiarism, others argue that these tools should be
understood as writing aids rather than deceptive substitutes. This essay argues that
LLM-generated text does not inherently constitute plagiarism, but the ethical risk
emerges when students fail to acknowledge their use. The essay further explains why
the distinction between tool and author matters, and suggests strategies universities
can implement to safeguard their qualifications.
LLMs as Tools, Not Authors
Plagiarism traditionally involves copying someone else’s intellectual work without
attribution. However, Naithani (2025) notes that LLMs operate through systematic data
processing rather than independent authorship. Since these systems lack
consciousness and ownership of ideas, their outputs cannot be equated with stolen
work. Instead, they are better understood as tools, similar to grammar checkers or
translation software. What matters is not the tool itself, but how transparently the
student reports its role in the writing process.
Misuse Versus Inherent Plagiarism
