Embedding Quotes To Cite Textual Evidence “The Raven” Close Reading Essay

The Why… This is an area we need to work on, based on the last Rhetorical Analysis Speech Essay SAT Writing- integrating strong evidence, knowing how to cite it, and understanding how to go about including analysis is important for success

Integrating quotes- Real World Example On Stephen Colbert’s satirical show The Colbert Report, he was asked to take on Wheat Thins as a sponsor Essentially, his show would receive payment for mentioning that they were sponsored by Wheat Thins. To make sure the sponsorship was in line with Wheat Thins’ branding, the company sent The Colbert Report a memo detailing all of their brand’s goals. Colbert found the memo silly, and poked fun at it on air, while directly quoting from the memo. As you watch the clip, record what you SEE, THINK, and WONDER about the way Colbert integrates quotes into his segment.

See-Think-Wonder- As you watch the video, record your thoughts in Your Chart What do you see or notice about how he leads into a quote, how much of the quote he uses, and how he continues after the quote? THINK Why do you think he chose to use these specific quotes? Why do you think they support his overall point? WONDER What questions do you have about the way quotes and evidence were used in the clip?  

How did Colbert Effectively Integrate Quotes? He used only the most important parts of the text- not necessarily full sentences from the original memo He leads into each quote with his own words. Quotes are not left to stand alone- they are blended with his statements. After providing the quotes, he gives his own analysis or explanation of them. His analysis always points to the silliness of the quote, which supports his claim.

Why use Quotes at all? Paraphrasing just won’t do it justice sometimes, especially when you are looking at style/word choices. When writing a literary or rhetorical analysis, close reading, or book review, direct quotes are especially important. *Note, even if you paraphrase, you still must cite! To provide context for an intensive analysis of a short excerpt Strengthen your argument with a credible source or specific evidence

Think ICE When quoting from a text, think ICE. I- Introduction- All quotes need to be introduced with your own words. This is your lead-in sentence(s). Provides context Signals quote is coming "Evidential" transition words help: "for instance," "for example," or "in fact" C- Cite- Provide your quote, and cite it! Your quote should be … Succinct Directly relevant to point Should not stand as its own sentence E- Explain- Provide analysis that ties the quote back to your main idea/thesis sentence. In other words, comment on the evidence in order to incorporate it into the argument you’re making. Moves reader from quote to your own point. Often LONGER than the quote.

The Quote Sandwich Another way to think about this is as a “quote sandwich.”

What’s Wrong with this quote? Katy Perry’s word choice helps to support her confident tone. “Louder, louder than a lion” (Perry). The quote stands alone as a sentence. It needs to blended into the introduction or with a transition word. There is no analysis! Why does this quote prove that her word choice creates a confident tone?

A Better Example… Introduction Quote Katy Perry’s word choice helps to support her confident tone. For example, in the chorus she sings, “louder, louder than a lion” (Perry). By writing that her voice is louder than a lion, she signals to listeners that she is powerful and confident, and won’t be stifled. The word “lion” has strong, positive connotations to most individuals, highlighting her inner strength. Explanation

Your Turn  With a partner, you will pick a random quote on a slip of paper. Each quote will include a claim that it is meant to proven, along with the author’s last name. Together, you will have to correctly record this quote onto a poster in ICE/Quote Sandwich format. Record each element of the quote format, just as you saw in the last example- introduction, quote and citation, and explanation. Final tip: Don’t leave your quotes to stand alone!