Plagiarism (noun)
The following definition is from Dictionary.com:
  1. The unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work, as by not crediting the author: It is said that he plagiarized Thoreau's plagiarism of a line written by Montaigne. Synonyms: appropriation, infringement, piracy, counterfeiting; theft, borrowing, cribbing, passing off.
  2. Something used and represented in this manner: Well-respected publishers are developing a sharper eye for plagiarism in submitted manuscripts.
Common Citation Styles
Please refer to the following Web sites for citation style guidelines to aid you in avoiding accusations of plagiarism:
Fonts
  • Text =Times New Roman, 12-point
  • Text in tables = Helvetica, 10-point
  • Footnotes = Times, 10-point
Margins and Page Formatting
  • Use 1-inch margins on all sides
  • Use "Styles" to format the essay
  • Use the Format menu of your word processing software, or Tabs, for paragraph indentation. DO NOT use multiple spaces to create paragraph indentation.
  • DO NOT use spaces for the centering of titles, or any similar function. Using the space bar to format is considered UNACCEPTABLE.
  • If you are unsure of how to use Styles, tabs, or formal formatting of essays, you should immediately consult MADPAPERS.COM for assistance.
Paragraph Formatting and Text
  • Indent all new paragraphs using the Format menu or the Tab bar, NOT multiple spaces.
  • ALIGN LEFT (do NOT use justified or center alignment)
  • No one paragraph shall exceed 400 words
  • Any quotation of three (3) lines or more must be in "block quote" format. Refer to the specific citation formatting guidelines listed in the Citation Styles section above for how to format block quotes.
Punctuation
  • Sentences will end in proper punctuation marks (periods, question marks, and exclamation points).
  • Follow final punctuation marks (like periods) with TWO SPACES.
  • Place the period or other punctuation mark INSIDE quotation marks for sentences ending within quotation marks. For example: She said, "I must always write with perfect grammar."

Capitalization

  • Do not type using ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.
  • Capitalize the first letter of each word for proper nouns, titles, and headings.
  • Conjunctions (and, but), prepositions (which, that), and articles (the, a, an) should NEVER be capitalized unless they occur as the first word of a sentence or title.
  • The correct style is "Web site" or "Web page," not "website" or "webpage."
  • The word "internet" is capitalized as a noun, as in "the Internet."

Line Spacing

  • Within main body text, use DOUBLE SPACING. This includes headings as well as main body paragraphs.
  • Within tables, text is formatted with SINGLE SPACING.
  • Footnotes use SINGLE SPACING
  • Works Cited, References, and Bibliography pages use SINGLE SPACING
  • Block quotes use SINGLE SPACING
Section Headings and Titles
The following is a guideline only; please consult the specific, formal formatting guidelines.
  • Use bold font and center your titles.
  • Paragraph subheadings are bold and ALIGNED LEFT
  • Bibliography, Works Cited, or References page heading is bold and centered
Usage and Grammar
The following is a brief and incomplete guideline that should ultimately be supplemented by more thorough knowledge of proper English grammar and usage.

The words "that" and "which" are used differently. A good rule of thumb: "that" does not follow a comma, whereas "which" will.


The word "that" is used to modify restrictive clauses, as follows:
"She ate the sandwich that was on the table."


The word "which" is used to modify nonrestrictive clauses, as follows:
"The sandwich, which was on the table, looked delicious."


Please do not confuse the possessive pronoun "its" with the conjunction for it is: "it's." It's frightening when a dog barks, especially when its bone is taken away.


The modifying words "who" and "that" are also used differently. "Who" is used to modify nouns referring to people; "that" is used to modify nouns referring to things.
Managers who have solid leadership skills are more successful than managers who do not.
Companies that hire good managers are more successful than companies that do not.


AVOID the use of first and second person. If you must, use the word "one" to substitute for second person pronouns as follows:
One's health is directly dependent on lifestyle habits.


DO NOT write, "Your health is directly dependent on your lifestyle habits."


The word "they" is a plural pronoun. Use it correctly!
Incorrect: "If someone writes well, they will be successful in life."
Correct: "If someone writes well, he or she will be successful in life."


"Irregardless" is NOT a word. "Regardless" is.