C++ help needed

I've just started a unit in C++ about 3 weeks ago and we've been given an assignment where we have to be able to convert from one reference format to another (eg, from IEEE to BibTex, BibTex to APA, etc).

Because I'm a complete c++ novice, I wouldn't have the faintest idea on how I could go about this. So if anyone out there any hints/tips (like what functions I should use or something), or know of some resources that might be handy, I would appreciate it immensely.

Please note that I'm not asking for someone to do the assignment for me, or to give me ongoing, specific help, but I am a bit clueless and would appreciate it beyone anything if someone could point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance :)