How to Make an In-text Citation Sandwich Information used from fellow teachers

Why do we use Quotes from Readings? Builds a strong argument (not “I believe” arguments). Gives you evidence to analyze. Shows the reader how you’ve interpreted the author’s work. Allows you to address the author without summarizing. Demonstrates your analyzing/ critical thinking skills.

The In-Text Citation Sandwich The Body Paragraphs There are 3 parts to the sandwich 1. Setup: First couple of sentences should include your topic or reference to your thesis statement. 2. Quote: Explain who is saying the quote and set up how you plan to use it. Copy the quote word for word and make sure the quote is relevant to your paper. 3. Analysis: It is important that you: Explain how the quote connects to the thesis. Show how the evidence supports your argument. Study word choice, sentence structure, characterization, symbolism, anything relevant in the quote.

In this example please identify the set-up, quote, and analysis How one tackles problem, stressors, or challenges will shape their chances for success once they are a contributing member of society. Social historian Richard Sennett names the tendency to come to terms with difficult experiences, “a purification process" whereby "threatening or painful dissonances are warded off to preserve intact a clear and articulated image of oneself and one’s place in the world" (11). Sennett argues that humans need to “purify” their past trauma through the way they project themselves to the outside world.

In-Text Citation Sandwich: The Set Up There are some safe ways to set up (start your body paragraphs) an analysis when using quotes to support your thesis. Create a topic sentence. Provide a relevant, but short summary of the piece. Take your thesis statement and only focus on the part you are about to prove. Example: Thesis: The historical and societal events in the 1950’s help mold the characters’ interaction with one another in A Raisin in the Sun. The Set Up (1st body paragraph): Men and women were not held to the same standard of respect in the 1950s and Hansberry explores gender inequality in her play.

Selecting a quote There are a couple of steps I can suggest in order to pick out the best pieces of textual evidence for your sandwich. 1. Have your thesis statement available. Remember what you want to prove. 2. Ask yourself: What piece of the text/play will help me prove my point? What piece of the text/play will allow me to elaborate? What piece of the text/play can I break apart and analyze.

Quoting Never, never, ever just place a quote in your essay. You must introduce the quote. Some suggestions: Introduce who is saying the passage. Introduce the author and title. Introduce the quote with a brief summary of the plot. Examples: Hansberry writes, In the play, Ruth shouts,

Quoting Example: One author claims that “no one is concerned with this issue, you dork” (Jones 45). Introduce the “” Insert the quote you need Cite the author and/or page number

MLA In-Text Citation Rules for Plays Italicize the title of the play A Raisin in the Sun Use “” at the beginning and end of the quoted passage. Use () to place the author’s last name and/or page number. Use a period at the end of the citation. Information needed: (Author’s name page #. Act. Scene). Example: (Hansberry 59 2.1) Example: Mama understandingly says, “Yes, child, there’s a whole lot of sunlight” (Hansberry 58 2.1). Act. Closed parenthesis Scene. Open parenthesis Author’s name Page #

Blocked Quotes Example: When citing dialogue between two or more characters, include it as a block quotation. Character's names should be in all CAPS. Indent the dialogue . Example: Lorraine Hansberry’s play portrays a father’s love for his son: WALTER: Son, I feel like talking to you tonight. TRAVIS: About what? WALTER: Oh, about a lot of things. About you and what kind of man you going to be when you grow up (69 2.2). Author’s name Indent Scene Closed paren- thesis Act Open parenthesis Page #

Building the Sandwich The Set Up with a quote Men and women were not held to the same standard of respect in the 1950s and Hansberry explores gender inequality in her play. In the play, Beneatha and Asagai exchange some words: BENEATHA: I know-and by itself-it won’t do. I can find that anywhere. ASAGAI: For a woman it should be enough (Hansberry 33 1.2).

Analysis This part of the sandwich will be the most important part of your grade. The analysis will: Help prove and support your thesis Show you can analyze Allow you to study diction and syntax Show the read you can read on a deeper level Prove your argument or interpretation of the piece

Analysis- How To Do It Helpful hints on how to analyze Read your thesis or topic sentence. Read the quote you have selected. What can you pick out from the quote? What is important about the words or structure of the quote? How does it support your argument? What do you want the reader to pick out from your quote? Symbolism, theme, allegory, motif, tone, etc.

Last Piece of the Sandwich Men and women were not held to the same standard of respect in the 1950s and Hansberry explores gender inequality in her play. In the play, Beneatha and Asagai exchange some words: BENEATHA: I know-and by itself-it won’t do. I can find that anywhere. ASAGAI: For a woman it should be enough (Hansberry 33 1.2). Beneatha wishes to stand as a strong woman by stating that she knows what she wants. Her feelings are not dictated by a man, this can be seen by her use of the phrase “I know.” The inequality between the sexes is evident by the forceful response of the male character. He does not address Beneatha by her name, he degrades her status as an equal by the use of the word “woman.” He believes all women should feel the same way. He also proceeds to establish his authority in the relationship by stating that he believes he know what a woman wants and needs by the use of the word “enough.” He is taking the initiative to tell the female character that she should settle for what she receives from a man. Within her play, men are the authoritative figures while women should accept their place in society. She has created a character which decides to break the mold and is met with resistance by the male.

Summary There are 3 pieces to the sandwich The Set Up Quoting The Analysis

Quiz Tomorrow ( Tuesday) You will be expected to: identify the 3 parts of the sandwich, label parts of the formula such as the topic sentence, quotes, author’s name, page, scene, act, analysis.

Extra Notes