Part of the information contained in these books pertain to basic rules for typing papers, such as which font to use, the size of the font, the margins, whether or not to use a title page, etc. Another component deals with grammar and style. However, perhaps the most important sections for students to learn are the ones that explain how to cite your references. Because not citing your sources, or not citing them properly, can leave you open to charges of plagiarism . Plagiarism is no laughing matter.
Plagiarism is a form of cheating or stealing.
When you use someone else's ideas, words, phrases, paragraphs, or works without giving that person credit, that's plagiarism. For example, let's say that you're writing a paper about the author Charles Dickens, and you find great information in an article about his novels. The penalties for plagiarism can be severe, including course failure and suspension. The bottom line - if you didn't think it up, create it, or write it all by yourself, you must indicate where you got it from. If this sounds scary and complicated, don't worry.