16 Quoting
Quoting means taking a part of a source and using it word for word in your own work.
How many quotes can I use?
The expected frequency of quotations differs based on the genre of writing. For example, in an English literature paper, direct quotations from a novel or play are often used as the basis for a discussion, while in a business proposal direct quotes are rare or not accepted at all.
Generally, it is not recommended to use too many quotes. Extensive quoting gives the impression that you do not understand the source enough to paraphrase it into your own words and that you cannot contribute any of your own thoughts to the discussion. If you are unsure whether to use direct quotations in a specific course or paper, ask your instructor.
Key Takeaways
Use quotes to[1]:
- To support your idea or to advance your argument
- To present something you are analyzing, interpreting, or commenting on so the reader will understand better what you are referring to (such as a literary passage)
- If the original language is especially moving, descriptive, or historically significant
- For unique terms or a passage that cannot be paraphrased or summarized adequately without losing or changing its meaning
How to quote properly
Quotes can be at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of a sentence. However, it is good practice to introduce quotes with some sort of statement that signals to the reader that information is coming that is not your own, such as in the two examples shown.
Example 1: Short Quotes
One researcher indicates that “the most difficult thing for them was the attitude of their parents” (Crook 157), while others believe…
Example 2: Long Quotes
Place long quotes in a block indented from the remaining text with no quotation marks.
Example:
A family’s assessment has a powerful influence on how capable teenagers believe they are. In her study, Crook found:
Their expectations became self-fulfilling prophecies; because their families thought they couldn’t do anything, they didn’t think they could either. After all, if the people who knew them best and presumably loved them most thought they were losers, then the family was probably right. (37)
Test your understanding
Look at the passage below and then examine the quotes in the following activity. All three quotes are examples of plagiarism to various degrees. See if you can spot the error before clicking on the quote to see the answer.
Original Text
Historians are uncertain of the true origins of the Louisiana river monster, but new evidence suggests the creature may have closer ties to humanity than previously thought. Student researchers recently tracked down a notorious river monster in the Shreveport area and obtained a DNA sample. After mailing the results to an online ancestry service, the students were shocked to find that the river monster shares distant relatives with many Shreveport natives.
