Integrating and Analyzing Quotes

Importance of Embedding Quotes https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eLNlyLala-k

Why use quotes in an essay? A writer should use specific quotes from the text to support her point. It’s not enough to just explain an idea. Instead, use the actual words—a quote—from the book to help establish an argument. When doing research, writers should bring in the work of other experts in the field to help establish credibility. The writer should document the sources appropriately depending on the preferred style guide for the paper such as MLA or APA.

Which quote do I use? to assert a fact   Select quotations carefully and purposefully: to assert a fact to illustrate or explain an idea or opinion to provide authority for an assertion you have made to provide a focal point to show many opinions

How should I format the quotes? Think of the Quote Sandwich First, you have to introduce the quote. This is your top piece of bread. Second, use the quote. This is the “good stuff” in the middle of your sandwich. Third, analyze the quote. This is your bottom piece of bread.

How do you use quotes an essay? Think of the parts of the sandwich! Bread on top Introduce quote Good stuff Quote in the middle Bread on Commentary on bottom quote

Structure for Analysis Paragraph   You must introduce the author. The next few sentences should provide some general information leading up to the quote.    Right before the quote, use a signal phrase: The author explains, shows, states, argues, illustrates…  Chose and insert a meaningful quote. After the quote, provide a few sentences of commentary.

Option #1   Use an indirect statement with "that.“ Notice the punctuation. Paulo Coehlo feels that “taking risks will allow you to fulfill your dreams.”

Option #2 Blend your lead-in and quotation. Paul Logan, a popular book critic, views the symbolism in Coehlo‘s book as a “lovely pattern of meaning" (164).

Option #3 Use a complete sentence lead-in. Follow with a colon and two spaces before the quotation. Paulo Coehlo describes Santiago perfectly: “He is a risk taker and a follower of his personal legend" (223). Again the main character hears the words spoken by the King of Salem: "It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting”(154).

Option #4 Use a signal phrase to introduce quote: According to Paulo Coehlo, “The workshop sessions have been a journey rich with laughter, tears, heart-stopping leaps of faith, and miraculous personal victories" (5). Paulo Coehlo states, “The workshop sessions have been journey rich with laughter, tears, heart-stopping leaps of faith, and miraculous personal victories” (5).

Choose different signal phrases to add variety

Option #5 Use an ellipsis [. . .] to indicate material omitted from the quotation. The First Amendment provides that "Congress shall make no law respecting . . . the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (United States Constitution 49).

Avoid the following mistakes Failing to introduce the title of the work and the author. Starting a sentence or (paragraph) with a quote. Remember, you need to introduce the quote using a signal phrase. Ending a paragraph with a quote. Remember, you need to follow every quote with some of your own commentary or analysis. (This is the bottom piece of bread to your sandwich!)

Sample from The Alchemist Learning real life lessons and finding your place on Earth through your actions and thoughts is one of the most important aspects of life. In the book The Alchemist, written by Paulo Coelho, the introduction to the book states, “Whoever you are, or whatever it is you do, when you really want something, it’s because the desire started in the soul of the world. It’s your mission on Earth” (2). The reader is being encouraged to think about his or her own life and how the characters in the book are teaching life’s lessons. Many people believe that they have no control over their life but The Alchemist teaches otherwise through anecdotes and other’s experiences.