Cathlena Martin

Using Quotations

Fall 2007
Syllabus
Assignments
101.04 Schedule
101.13 Schedule
Grade book
Helps
FAQs

Using a line quotation in a paragraph

1. Topic Sentence: Begin your paragraph with a topic sentence that discusses the major point of the paragraph; the topic sentence should include the significance of your point (which follows below as the last item in the paragraph)--in your research paper, you’ll
relate this paragraph-point to your paper’s thesis. Additional sentences may be included to develop the topic.
2. Linking sentence: You may want to include a sentence to connect smoothly the previous sentence to the coming quotation, in which case use such a sentence here—such a sentence might, for example, briefly summarize the subject about which the quotation speaks more specifically.
3. Introduction of the Quotation: You’ll need to introduce the “speaker” and the quotation in this sentence—as, for example: According to Dr. John Smith, respected physician who authored Apples of the Day, (unless you have already quoted something from this author, in which case you will omit the first name or title: According to Smith, or Smith argues, followed, as part of the SAME sentence, by the
4. Quotation, encompassed by quotation marks, as, for example, “This is where you put your quotation, which will either be a line quotation like this (if it is under four lines in your text) or a block quotation, which we’ll address in the next section” (Surname page#).
5. Citation: Then list the citation, as shown above. Notice that the period for the sentence containing the quotation comes AFTER the parenthetical citation. (Smith 5).
6. Point: Immediately following the citation, explain why you have used this quotation or how it relates to the larger issues (including your thesis) of your paper. This explanation, coupled with the topic sentence, comprises the most important part of your paragraph. Make your logical connections explicit.


Using a block quotation in a paragraph

1. Topic Sentence: Begin your paragraph with a topic sentence that discusses the major point of the paragraph; the topic sentence should include the significance of your point (which follows below as the last item in the paragraph)--in your research paper, you’ll
relate this paragraph-point to your paper’s thesis. Additional sentences may be included to develop the topic.
2. Linking sentence: You may need to include a sentence to smoothly connect the topic sentence to the coming quotation, in which case use such a sentence here—such a sentence might, for example, briefly summarize the subject about which the quotation
speaks more specifically.
3. Introduction of the Quotation: Now you’ll need to introduce the “speaker” and the quotation in this second sentence—as, for example Physician John Smith, in his investigative work, Apples of the Day, argues: (unless you have already quoted something from this author, in which case you might say Smith argues: without the
first name or title).
4. Quotation: You should use an independent clause to introduce a longer quotation, and then follow it with the quotation, like this:
This is where you put your Quotation (with NO quotation marks). Use this indented block quotation format for any quotation that runs over at least three lines in your text. Note that the quotation starts on its own line and finishes on its own line, and in MLA format it is double-spaced. Also, in MLA, note the period BEFORE the parenthetical citation. (Surname page#)
5. Citation: Follow with Citation as shown above. The punctuation for the
block quotation comes BEFORE the parenthetical citation.
6. Point: Immediately following the citation, but on the next double-spaced line, begin your explanation of why you have used this quotation and how it relates to the larger issues (including your thesis) of your paper. This explanation, coupled with the
topic sentence, comprises the most important part of your paragraph. Make the logical connections explicit.

Now you try it.
Using one or two sources from your annotated bibliography, practice both the line quotation and the block quotation. Type your answers and bring two copies to class.

Using the sequence below, write your own paragraph that incorporates a LINE QUOTATION.
1—Topic Sentence. 2—Linking Sentence. 3—Introduction of the Quotation, “4—Quotation” (5—Citation). 6—Point.

Using the sequence below, write your own paragraph that incorporates a BLOCK QUOTATION:
1—Topic Sentence. 2—Linking Sentence. 3—Introduction of the Quotation with a stand-alone clause:
4—Indented Quotation. (5—Citation)
6—Point.