Integrating quotes into your writing

What to do and what to avoid

DO Be precise in your use of quotes Make sure that your quote supports your thesis - your selected theme, in this case. Introduce your quote Analyze your quote following the direct quotation Your analysis should be the majority of your paragraph

Things to Avoid DO NOT start your paragraph with a quote (with the exclusion of your hook) DO NOT end your paragraph with a quote DO NOT have a quote that stands alone (is a sentence by itself) DO NOT string together two quotes without analysis in between DO NOT use a quote that is too long

Integrating quotes Quotations should be integrated into your own sentences. Don’t let your quotes stand alone, without explanation nor introduction, You may use the author’s name to introduce the quote: Shakespeare has noted, “… Here are some signal words to introduce a quote: Acknowledges Comments points out reports Adds Compares maintains shows Admits confirms notes states Argues declares illustrates suggests Asserts denies implies writes Claims describes emphasizes insists

Analyzing quotes After each quote, be sure to indicate why the quote is important and explain how it supports your thesis. DO NOT summarize at this point. You are to operate under the assumption that your reader is familiar with the play. Some questions to guide your analysis: How does this quote work to support your thesis? Who said this? In what context? What purpose does it serve in this essay? What does it mean?

MLA reminders Cite each quote using the following format: Shakespeare demonstrates Romeo’s dramatic nature early in the play when he is speaking to Benvolio, “This is not Romeo. He is not here, / he is some other where” (1.1.43). Your parenthetical notation shows the (ACT.SCENE.LINES) Include a Works Cited page When using short quotations, place your period after the parenthetical notation. Italicize the name of the play Include your name, the subject, date, and the teacher’s name) on the first page Create a clever, descriptive title

FINAL THINGS TO REMEMBER DO NOT use “you” or “I” in your essay Use transitions between paragraphs by starting the new paragraph with that bridge/transition. DO NOT END YOUR FIRST AND SECOND BODY PARAGRAPHS WITH ANYTHING BUT A CLINCHER SENTENCE. WE SAY GOODBY BEFORE WE SAY HELLO. Your conclusion should leave the reader thinking about your essay. Be sure to note why the things that you wrote about are important to the world.