The Harmful Implications of Cheating in Academics

Essay Plan Template
1. Introduction –
 GS – The dictionary describes cheating as an act of dishonest or unfair means to gain
something.
 KTA –. Some may believe there is nothing wrong with cheating if you can get away with it.
The moral implications and the fact that is just wrong should not be much of a bother if it is
benefits one is after.
 TS – I argue against the statement “there is nothing wrong with cheating.” I believe cheating
is unacceptable if even I am to ignore the moral implications, the act is does more harm than
good.
2.
P1:
o TS- The person suffers from the moral implication of the decision. As humans, we are raised
with moral values and ethics. That instils in us the basic idea of what is right and wrong
o DSR –. The individual is effected psychologically. Initial thrill, justification for doing it can
quickly turns into guilt, shame, embarrassment and fear of being discovered.
o SLS- The self-loathing and anxiety experienced by the person when they contemplate their
actions makes them evaluate their action and questions the need for cheating in the
first place (Geven et al, 2018).
P2:
o TS – The academic standard is reduced when a person is involved in cheating.
o DSR – Academic credibility is reduced when a student practices cheating. Justification to
cheat is often attributed to get a higher score. However, when a student is discovered
it creates not only bad impression on the teachers but also is unproductive for the
student in the end (Mitchell et al, 2018).
William Angliss Institute | EDU501 Foundation Academic
Communication Skills
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Essay Plan Template
o SLS- The emotional duress is not just for the student, the teacher too is feels their teaching
skills are lacking.
P3:
o TS – Cheating affects academic integrity.
o DSR – When a student takes credit or claims someone else’s work as their own it is discredits
their performance. Every student has a different perspective, ideas and ability.
Cheating does not allow that to be seen, a copied work will not have the uniqueness
that would have been brought by the student (Mitchell et al, 2018).
o SLS- Academic integrity should be upheld by every student, otherwise academics has no
meaning it becomes only a way to attain marks not knowledge.
P4:
o TS – Cheating invalidates learning, skill and knowledge.
o DSR – Cheating does not allow an individual to learn anything, their knowledge development
remains stunted. Therefore, when time comes for application of their skills they are
bound to fail (Cronan, Mullins & Douglas, 2018)..
o SLS- The result is that the person is disrepute for their malpractices at work and does not
possess any real skills to hold the position.
P5:
o TS – Cheating breaks trust, and reduces credibility.
o DSR – Every work has challenges and sometimes makes us want to seek a shortcut but it is
important remain true to ethical standards. When trust breaks and reputation is lost it
is very difficult to get it back (Jang, Lasry, Miller & Mazur, 2017).
William Angliss Institute | EDU501 Foundation Academic
Communication Skills
2