Why You Shouldn’t Copy Answers into Your Homework: 3 Effective Methods to Improve Your Grades and Skills

If you were to poll a several students in the class you wouldn’t be surprised to find that the number one reason why students don’t copy answers into their homework is because they are afraid of getting caught. This is true just about anywhere you go. And while getting caught and facing one or all of the potential punishments – e.g., failing the course, failing the class, or being expelled – there are other reasons why you shouldn’t cheat and copy your answers.

Here three reasons why you shouldn’t copy answers into your homework and three effective methods to improve your grades and skills instead:

You Don’t Learn the Skills to Pass Quizzes or Tests

It’s really no surprise that students who cheat and copy answers into their homework are also more likely to do poorly on their tests. This happens because cheating students don’t get enough practice in to learn the concepts that homework assignments are trying to reinforce. Not figuring out a problem set on your own will often leave you feeling alone when midterms or finals come around.

What you should do instead is make sure you use your homework to identify key areas where you need some more practice or extra help in. You can always approach your instructor, tutor or even form a study group to go over just those sections, thus giving you a better chance of scoring high on tests.

You Make it Harder for Yourself and the Class to Keep Up

If one or more students begins to cheat by copying answers to their homework assignments, then an instructor may believe that the lessons or assignments are too easy or not challenging enough. This could be bad news for you and your fellow classmates. Assignments will get harder and more students will begin to struggle. Cheating, then, not only affects your chances of doing well in class but makes it more difficult for others to do well.

As the year progresses and homework assignments get tougher to keep up with, it’s a good idea to inform your instructor of your struggles. Your instructor may decide to alter some assignments or change the way lessons are delivered.

It Can Become a Habit that Follows You for Years

Assuming you copy down answers and are able to get away with it and not get caught, you may be forming a terrible habit that will be difficult to kick for a number of years afterwards. Eventually, you will get caught. And the further you are in your academic career that more sloppy you may get and the heavier the consequences may be.

Instead, try developing good habits such as studying, reviewing and participating in class. All of these activities can become second nature and tremendously improve your chances of finding success in your class and in life. Get started early and you won’t even know you’ll reinforce your habits with good grades and awards.