AI detector flagged your essay? What to do next

Keep your drafts and version history, ask for the report, then explain your actual writing process.

Turnitin says its AI model can misidentify human writing and should not be the sole basis for action against a student. A score alone does not settle who wrote the work.

1. Keep your existing writing record

Keep your outline, notes, sources and earlier drafts. To view changes on a computer:

Google Docs: click the Last edit / version history icon at the top right. You need edit permission.
Word: click the file title → Version history. Microsoft 365 history requires a file saved in OneDrive or SharePoint.

2. Ask for the report and review process

Ask which passages were flagged, which tool and version were used, which course policy applies, and what the review deadline is.

Copy a request for review

Hello [name],

I would like to understand the concern about [assignment]. Could you share the report, highlighted passages, tool and version, and applicable course policy? Please also confirm the review procedure and deadline.

I can explain how I produced the work and provide the writing records I have: [list existing drafts, notes, sources or version history].

[Describe any AI use accurately, including translation or proofreading.]

Could we review the evidence together?

[Your name]

Use only records you already have. This page does not receive your essay or send a message.

3. Explain your actual process

Describe any AI use, including translation or proofreading, honestly. Offer the records you actually have. A draft or detector score alone does not establish authorship; follow your institution’s process.

Sources: Turnitin · Purdue University · Google Docs · Microsoft.