Integrating and Analyzing Quotes NOTES

Why use quotes in an essay? Whom do you trust?

Why use quotes in an essay? Whom do you trust? When faced with the question, most people choose the doctor as opposed to the clown as someone they trust. Doctors are required to complete years of schooling/training and are required to take an oath. The white lab coat, the stethoscope, and the posture are symbols that we associate with credibility.

Why use quotes in an essay? Whom do you trust? Just as the doctor’s attire of a stethoscope and lab coat symbolizes credibility, a writer can use tools such as specific quotes from a text, the format of the paper, and correct punctuation/grammar to help convince the audience (the readers) that he is a ______________ writer.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION The rhetorical triangle represents three important elements of effective argument and communication. _________: Is the person making the argument credible? _________: Is the argument logical? Does it makes sense? _________: Is the writer/speaker appealing to the emotions of the audience?

Why use quotes in an essay? Ethos: The credibility of the argument A writer should use _______________ 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 ____________ in the field to help establish ____________. The writer should document the sources appropriately depending on the preferred style guide for the paper such as _______ or _________.

How should I format the quotes? Think of the Quote _________ First, you have to ___________ the quote. This is your top piece of _________. Second, _________ the quote. This is the “good stuff” in the __________ of your sandwich. Third, __________ the quote. This is your ___________ piece of __________.

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   The first sentence should introduce the _______ and _______. The next few sentences should provide some general information leading up to the quote.    Right before the quote, use a ______________: The author explains, shows, states, argues, illustrates…  Chose and __________ a meaningful _______. After the quote, provide a few sentences of ____________.

Choose different signal phrases to add variety

Avoid the following mistakes Failing to introduce the title of the work and the author. Starting a sentence or (paragraph) with a quote. NEVER DO THIS. 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.