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Technical Writing: Style Guides

MLA Citation Style

Which style should I use?

The citation style you use depends on a variety of factors. Many disciplines tend to use one particular style over another (Chicago for art, for example). Your instructors may require you use a certain style, so ask about which manual to use before you start your research. If you are publishing one of your works, your editor may require that you use of a certain style.

If you aren't required to use a certain style, use one that you are comfortable with and that best fits your needs. Just follow the guidelines and be consistent.

APA Citation Style

Chicago Manual of Style

Avoiding Plagiarism

Welcome to the Houston Cole Library's guide to knowing what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it for biology students!

According to JSU's Student Handbook, violations of University Academic Honesty policy include:

“Plagiarism, which is the deliberate act of copying, writing, or presenting as one's own the information, ideas, or phrasing of another person without proper acknowledgment of their true source.”

Dictionaries and More