Q UOTATION M ARKS And How To Properly Use Them By: Dylan W 2 nd Period

T HE Q UOTATION M ARK “The primary function of quotation marks is to set off and represent exact language (either spoken or written) that has come from somebody else.”  Notice quotation marks are used right there. This is a direct quote from Purdue OWL’s article on Quotation Marks. The Quotation Mark is also sometimes used to designate speech in literature. They are most often used with outside sources and are the best defense against accidental plagiarism.

D IRECT Q UOTATIONS When using another person’s exact wording in writing.. When quoting a complete sentence, capitalize the first letter of the quote. (And do not when quoting a fragment of the original material.) Ex. Dylan said, “I hope I make a good grade on my English project!” Ex. 2 The music made Dylan “happier than a fat kid with cake.” If a quotation is interrupted midsentence, do not capitalize the second half of the sentence. Ex. “I hope I make a good grade on my English project” said Dylan, “but then again, I always do.” IMPORTANT: QUOTATION MARKS ALWAYS COME IN PAIRS. DO NOT OPEN A QUOTE A FAIL TO CLOSE IT.

I NDIRECT Q UOTATIONS Indirect quotations are not exact quotes of something but are paraphrased versions of the material.  This is an indirect quote of the Purdue OWL’s definition of indirect quotes which is “Indirect quotations are not exact wordings but rather rephrasings or summaries of another person's words.” YOU MUST STILL GIVE A PROPER CITATION FOR INDIRECT QUOTATIONS OR IT IS CONSIDERED PLAGIRISM! Use an indirect quote or paraphrase when you need summarize key points of the text. Never rob a quotation of it’s power by paraphrasing; this should only be done when the quote contains possibly offensive material or when summarizing. Ex. John F. Kennedy wanted you to do everything you could for your country. Never use the above in place of- John F. Kennedy is remembered for his famous quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” For the direct quote is much more powerful.

W ORKS C ITED : Conrey, Sean M., Mark Pepper, and Allen Brizee. "How To Use Quotation Marks." Purdue OWL. Purdue University, 8 May Web. 19 Jan "Using Quotation Marks." Writer's Web. University Of Richmond, Web. 19 Jan "Quotation Marks." Commnet. Commnet, Web. 19 Jan