Quotation Rule #3 (according to Pam)

So far, we’ve gone over Quoting Rules #1 and #2. 1. Indicate that you are quoting. 2. Introduce or embed quotations with your own words. 3. Cite quotations. 4. Quote accurately.

Now we discuss Quoting Rule #3. 1. Indicate that you are quoting. 2. Introduce or embed quotations with your own words. 3. Cite quotations. 4. Quote accurately.

First, let’s go over #3, citing. Most of what you learn here applies to MLA rules, but I will also include APA versions for those of you who have to write papers in that particular style.

To credit your source, use the author’s name and the page number, if there is one. Give credit to who said it! Sources in print medium and PDF files have page numbers, so use them.

You can put the author’s name in a signal phrase . . . Montoya states, “I have been in the revenge business so long, now that it’s over, I don’t know what to do with the rest of my life” (239).

… or you can put the author’s name in parentheses at the end of the quotation. According to one expert, “I have been in the revenge business so long, now that it’s over, I don’t know what to do with the rest of my life” (Montoya 239).

Citations in parentheses are called parenthetical citations.

The page number that the quotation appears on always goes in a parenthetical citation. For MLA, just put the number--no p., no page. For APA, add the publication year and put a p. before the page or paragraph number. Add a comma if the name is also used in parentheses. MLA APA (Montoya 239). (Montoya, 2010, p. 239). (239). (p. 239). (para. 6)

For two or three authors, include all of their last names: MLA Peck and Hendershot state, “We doubt the full extent of rewriting is evident in the published book” (407). Although one writer says she agonized while revising one of her stories, “We doubt the full extent of rewriting is evident in the published book” (Peck and Hendershot 407). APA Peck and Hendershot (2011) state, “We doubt the full extent of rewriting is evident in the published book” (p. 407). Although one writer says she agonized while revising one of her stories, “We doubt the full extent of rewriting is evident in the published book” (Peck & Hendershot, 2011, p. 407).

Here’s an example with three authors: MLA According to Harper, Bryan, and Walker, “One of the most current trends in the field of children's literature is the proliferation of books written by celebrities.” If you have young children, you may know this: “One of the most current trends in the field of children's literature is the proliferation of books written by celebrities” (Harper, Bryan, and Walker). APA According to Harper, Bryan, and Walker (2010), “One of the most current trends in the field of children's literature is the proliferation of books written by celebrities.” If you have young children, you may know this: “One of the most current trends in the field of children's literature is the proliferation of books written by celebrities” (Harper, Bryan, & Walker, 2010).

For four or more authors, use the last name of the first person listed and et al. (For APA, it’s 6 or more.) The following quotation comes from an article written by Catherine Kurkjian, Nancy Livingston, Terrell A. Young, and Ralph Fletcher. MLA Educators Kurkjian et al. state, “Immersing our students and ourselves in the ‘brine’ of poetry is easier and more fun than ever with all the wonderful books and resources that are now available” (598). APA: List everyone the first time! Educators Kurkjian, Livingston, Young, and Fletcher (2009) state, “Immersing our students and ourselves in the ‘brine’ of poetry is easier and more fun than ever with all the wonderful books and resources that are now available” (p. 598).

Here’s the same quotation with the authors included in the parenthetical citation: MLA When it comes to teaching poetry to children, “Immersing our students and ourselves in the ‘brine’ of poetry is easier and more fun than ever with all the wonderful books and resources that are now available” (Kurkjian et al. 598). APA When it comes to teaching poetry to children, “Immersing our students and ourselves in the ‘brine’ of poetry is easier and more fun than ever with all the wonderful books and resources that are now available” (Kurkjian Livingston, Young, and Fletcher 2009, p. 598).

If there is no author, use the title of the article If there is no author, use the title of the article. Enclose the article title in double quotation marks. The following quotation comes from an anonymous article titled “Young Wizards of the Word.” MLA “Young Wizards of the Word” argues that we should “thank Harry Potter for reviving the magic of the printed word” (53). OR Most people agree that we should “thank Harry Potter for reviving the magic of the printed word” (“Young Wizards” 53). APA “Young Wizards of the Word” (2008) argues that we should “thank Harry Potter for reviving the magic of the printed word” (p. 53). OR Most people agree that we should “thank Harry Potter for reviving the magic of the printed word” (“Young Wizards,” 2008, p. 53).

Here’s another example Here’s another example. The following quotation comes from an anonymous article titled “Swamp Tails.” MLA “Swamp Tails” states, “Best-selling author Carl Hiaasen has a passion for writing--and for the environment” (6). OR Writers may be passionate about their topics: “Best-selling author Carl Hiaasen has a passion for writing--and for the environment” (“Swamp” 6). APA “Swamp Tails” (2011) states, “Best-selling author Carl Hiaasen has a passion for writing--and for the environment” (p. 6). OR Writers may be passionate about their topics: “Best-selling author Carl Hiaasen has a passion for writing--and for the environment” (“Swamp” p. 6).

For electronic sources such as HTML formats, don’t use a page number in MLA format. Computer printout pagination doesn’t count! For APA format, list the abbreviation para. and the paragraph number. If I used the HTML version of the “Swamp Tails” source, it would look like this: MLA “Swamp Tails” states, “Best-selling author Carl Hiaasen has a passion for writing--and for the environment.” OR Writers may be passionate about their topics: “Best-selling author Carl Hiaasen has a passion for writing--and for the environment” (“Swamp”). APA “Swamp Tails” (2011) states, “Best-selling author Carl Hiaasen has a passion for writing--and for the environment” (para.32). OR Writers may be passionate about their topics: “Best-selling author Carl Hiaasen has a passion for writing--and for the environment” (“Swamp,” 2011, para. 32).

Review (MLA) If authors’ names are known, use them, either in signal phrases OR parenthetical citations. If page numbers are visible in your source (print or PDF), cite the page number in the parenthetical citation. Don’t use page numbers for HTML printouts or websites. If source is anonymous, use the full title in the signal phrase OR a short form of the title in the parenthetical citation.

Review (APA) If authors’ names are known, use them, either in signal phrases OR parenthetical citations. Follow names with publication year. If page numbers are visible in your source (print or PDF), put a p. and cite the page number in the parenthetical citation. For HTML printouts or websites, use para. and the paragraph number. If source is anonymous, use the full title in the signal phrase OR a short form of the title in the parenthetical citation.