What is a quotation? A reference to a work that is not your own. A direct quotation uses the exact words or phrases from another source. These must be set apart using quotation marks and citations.

Basic rules to remember Avoid quote overload. Remember, this is your paper. Use short phrases instead of long portions of text from your source. Only use source material that is relevant to the point you are trying to make.

Basic rules, cont’d When possible, paraphrase the source material. If a direct quotation works better, use it. But first, find the most important part. Use only that portion.

How do I know what’s relevant? Read through your source from beginning to end. As you read, highlight any information that goes along with the topics in your paper. Review your highlighted portions. Organize them by topics. Try numbering the sections or copying them onto index cards. Determine where the source material would fit best into your paper.

Synthesizing quotations Never insert a quotation without somehow introducing it into your paper. Use action verbs to attribute the quotation to its author. Here are some examples: suggestsexplains argues writes supportsasks insistsasserts

Examples The next few slides will feature examples of integrating quotes using the following quotation. All citations will be in MLA format. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Jefferson, Thomas. “The Declaration of Independence.” Rpt. in Current Issues and Enduring Questions. Eds. Sylvan Barnet & Hugo Bedau. Boston: Bedford,

Example 1 Thomas Jefferson believed that there were certain rights that could not be taken away. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” (Jefferson 461). This one needs revision. The essay writer did not integrate the quote at all, but simply inserted it into the essay with no introduction or explanation. Also, the cited material is too long. A summary or paraphrase would have been much better.

Example 2 In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson claims, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” (461). This one is okay, but it isn’t great. The quote is introduced, but it is too long. The essay writer could have paraphrased or simply used less quoted material.

Example 3 In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson claims that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” (461). Again, this one is okay but could be better. The word that is usually unnecessary, and could be left out, especially here. The essay writer did better this time, using less quoted material.

Example 4 “We hold these truths to be self-evident,” Jefferson asserts in the Declaration of Independence, “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” (461). Once again, this could be better. The essay writer credits the original author, but in the middle of the quote instead of the beginning. Also, the writer could have paraphrased or shortened this source material.

Example 5 Jefferson opens the Declaration of Independence asserting that all people are guaranteed specific rights, including “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” (461). This one is good. The essay writer introduces the quote and includes the original author. The student also uses only the most important and relevant information from the source.

Finally… Avoid quote overload. Paraphrase or summarize when possible. Use only the most important information from a quote. Always introduce the quote. Also, take a sentence or two after the quote to explain its meaning and importance to your paper. Don’t forget!