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Using Quotations In Your Writing
When you use a quotation in your writing, insert it as part of your
own sentence. A comma or a colon should precede the direct
quotation you are inserting. The quotation becomes part of a
grammatically correct sentence that you write.
NEVER JUST “PLUNK” A QUOTATION INTO YOUR WRITING.
Example #1—using a comma and making the quotation a part of
an original sentence.
At one point in the novel Uncle Axel states, “ ‘What makes man
man is mind.’ ” (Wyndham 35). The single quotation marks
inside the double quotation marks denote that this
quotation is dialogue.
**For Drama, you do not use single quotation marks
because we already know it is dialogue.**
Example #2—using a colon.
Shakespeare is one of the greatest writers of all time. It is amazing that he
was able to write so many plays, considering he wrote before the age of the
typewriter and word processor:
It’s hard to imagine, but Shakespeare wrote all his plays with a quill
pen, a goose feather whose hard end had to be sharpened frequently.
How many times did he scrape the dull end to a point with his knife,
dip it into the inkwell, and bring it up, dripping wet, those wonderful
words and ideas that are known all over the world? (Bevington 2)
Basic Format to Follow When Using quotations in Formal
Writing Assignments:
Three Steps.
1. Provide an introduction to your quotation to provide context.
The clause preceding a quotation is called the signal phrase.
This should be enough information so that the quotation will
make sense to the reader and should flow logically with the
rest of your writing. (Do not just “drop” the quotation into
your writing.)
2. Your quotation should be grammatically inserted into your
writing. It should be part of a complete sentence that you
have written.
3. Once you have correctly inserted your quotation, the last step
is to explain the purpose the quotation serves in your writing.
Often, you will be using a quotation to help argue or prove a
thesis. Be sure that you clearly explain the quotation and how
it supports what you are arguing.
GENERAL RULES:
Do not begin or end your essay with a quotation
(or do so sparingly)
Quotations must be accurate and must be
referenced with in-text citations*--which means
you will also need a works cited page at the end
of your paper
Note rules for quoting dialogue in drama*
Learn the rules for using single quotation marks
vs double quotation marks
If the quotation is less than four lines of your
writing, put quotation marks around the quotation
and include it in your writing.
If a quotation is four lines or more, double
indent the quotation, but do not enclose it in
quotation marks. Only use quotation marks that
were in the original text.
Sample Answer
Step one: Choose a question that will work
for the assignment.
Step two: Think about the correct answer and
list all relevant supporting details. Then,
choose a quotation that will enhance this
answer.
Step three: Write the first draft of the
answer. (250 words)
Your Draft
• List all specific components/details of a
great answer for the question.
• Find a quotation (s) that will support and
enhance this answer.
• Begin your expository paragraph with a
clear topic sentence.
• Fully answer the question [while using the
three steps for using quotations to insert a
quotation (s)] in well organized paragraph*
Grammar
• Don’t worry too much about grammar,
spelling and punctuation as you work on
your first drafts.
• Editing should occur after you have
organized and written a thorough answer.
• Worry about Thought and Detail first.
Purpose/Audience
• Purpose:
1. provide a top-quality paragraph
answer to a review question.
2. Make sure that an important
quotation from the play is used to support the
answer.
3. Use the MLA format guide on
my web-site
Audience:
A very picky English teacher who
has high expectations.