The Procedure of Writing a Critical Essay

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 10 views

Introduction

Exam cheating has become a rampant issue in institutions of higher learning in Kenya, with far-reaching consequences on the academic integrity of our institutions. The practice of cheating during exams has been on the rise, with students resorting to various methods to gain an unfair advantage over their peers. In this essay, we will discuss the procedure of writing a critical essay, define the meaning of the term plagiarism, and discuss four types of plagiarism.

The Procedure of Writing a Critical Essay

Writing a critical essay requires a systematic approach to ensure that the essay is well-structured and effectively communicates the writer's argument. The first step in writing a critical essay is to choose a topic that is relevant and interesting to the writer. Once the topic has been chosen, the writer should conduct thorough research on the topic, gathering information from various sources. The writer should then analyze the information gathered, identifying the key points and arguments that will be presented in the essay. The next step is to create an outline of the essay, which will serve as a guide for the writer as they write the essay. The outline should include the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The writer should then write the introduction, which should include a hook to grab the reader's attention, a thesis statement that clearly states the writer's argument, and a brief overview of the main points that will be presented in the essay. The writer should then write the body paragraphs, which should include evidence to support the writer's argument, analysis of the evidence, and a link to the next paragraph. The writer should then write the conclusion, which should summarize the main points, reiterate the thesis statement, and provide a final thought on the topic.

The Meaning of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of passing off someone else's work as one's own, without proper citation or credit. Plagiarism can take many forms, including direct plagiarism, where a writer copies someone else's work verbatim, and indirect plagiarism, where a writer paraphrases someone else's work without proper citation. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense that can have severe consequences, including failure in a course, suspension, or even expulsion from an institution.

Types of Plagiarism

There are four types of plagiarism, including:

Direct Plagiarism: This is the act of copying someone else's work verbatim, without proper citation or credit. Direct plagiarism is a serious academic offense that can have severe consequences.
Indirect Plagiarism: This is the act of paraphrasing someone else's work without proper citation or credit. Indirect plagiarism is also a serious academic offense that can have severe consequences.
Mosaic Plagiarism: This is the act of combining someone else's work with one's own work, without proper citation or credit. Mosaic plagiarism is a serious academic offense that can have severe consequences.
Accidental Plagiarism: This is the act of unintentionally plagiarizing someone else's work. Accidental plagiarism can occur when a writer is not familiar with the proper citation style or when a writer is under time pressure to complete an assignment.

The Consequences of Exam Cheating

Exam cheating has severe consequences on the academic integrity of our institutions. When students cheat during exams, they undermine the value of their degree and the hard work of their peers. Exam cheating also undermines the trust between students and instructors, making it difficult for instructors to assess student learning and for students to receive accurate feedback on their performance. Furthermore, exam cheating can have severe consequences on a student's future, including failure to secure employment or admission to graduate school.

The Causes of Exam Cheating

Exam cheating is a complex issue that has multiple causes. Some of the causes of exam cheating include:

Pressure to succeed: Students may feel pressure to succeed in their studies, which can lead them to cheat during exams.
Lack of understanding: Students may not understand the material being tested, which can lead them to cheat during exams.
Lack of preparation: Students may not be adequately prepared for exams, which can lead them to cheat during exams.
Cultural factors: In some cultures, cheating is seen as a normal part of academic life, which can lead students to cheat during exams.

Conclusion

Q: What is exam cheating?

A: Exam cheating is the act of gaining an unfair advantage during an examination by using unauthorized materials, collaborating with others, or engaging in other forms of academic dishonesty.

Q: Why is exam cheating a problem in institutions of higher learning in Kenya?

A: Exam cheating is a problem in institutions of higher learning in Kenya because it undermines the academic integrity of our institutions, undermines the value of a degree, and can have severe consequences on a student's future.

Q: What are the consequences of exam cheating?

A: The consequences of exam cheating can include failure in a course, suspension, or even expulsion from an institution. Additionally, exam cheating can have severe consequences on a student's future, including failure to secure employment or admission to graduate school.

Q: What are the causes of exam cheating?

A: The causes of exam cheating include pressure to succeed, lack of understanding, lack of preparation, and cultural factors.

Q: How can institutions prevent exam cheating?

A: Institutions can prevent exam cheating by providing students with adequate support and resources, promoting a culture of academic integrity, and enforcing strict policies against cheating.

Q: What are the signs of exam cheating?

A: The signs of exam cheating can include:

Students who are overly confident or nervous during exams
Students who are using unauthorized materials or collaborating with others during exams
Students who are unable to answer questions or are struggling to complete assignments
Students who are exhibiting unusual behavior during exams, such as looking at their phone or talking to others

Q: What can students do to prevent exam cheating?

A: Students can prevent exam cheating by:

Studying hard and being adequately prepared for exams
Avoiding the use of unauthorized materials or collaborating with others during exams
Seeking help from instructors or classmates when needed
Reporting any instances of exam cheating to the appropriate authorities

Q: What can instructors do to prevent exam cheating?

A: Instructors can prevent exam cheating by:

Providing students with adequate support and resources
Promoting a culture of academic integrity
Enforcing strict policies against cheating
Monitoring students during exams and taking steps to prevent cheating

Q: What are the benefits of academic integrity?

A: The benefits of academic integrity include:

Ensuring that students receive a high-quality education
Promoting a culture of honesty and integrity
Encouraging students to take ownership of their learning
Fostering a sense of community and respect among students and instructors

Q: What are the consequences of not addressing exam cheating?

A: The consequences of not addressing exam cheating can include:

Eroding the trust between students and instructors
Undermining the value of a degree
Fostering a culture of dishonesty and cheating
Damaging the reputation of the institution

Q: How can institutions address exam cheating?

A: Institutions can address exam cheating by:

Implementing strict policies against cheating
Providing students with adequate support and resources
Promoting a culture of academic integrity
Monitoring students during exams and taking steps to prevent cheating

Q: What role can technology play in preventing exam cheating?

A: Technology can play a significant role in preventing exam cheating by:

Providing secure and tamper-proof exams
Monitoring student activity during exams
Preventing the use of unauthorized materials or collaboration during exams
Providing students with access to resources and support during exams