1. Supporting your arguments with textual evidence
Embedding Quotes
Supporting your arguments with textual evidence

2. Why do we use quotes?
Embedding quotations is a sophisticated way to use textual evidence to support your argument.
By citing evidence straight from the text, your arguments immediately become stronger—it proves to the reader that you didn’t just dream up what you are saying; your argument is based in the text.

3. What do I mean by embedded?
Quotes should not just be randomly inserted!
Lyndon B. Johnson was not well respected by President Kennedy or Bobby Kennedy. “President Kennedy doesn’t trust him and barely tolerates him” (O’Reilly and Dugard 55).
“Embedded” means to be placed, attached, or inserted, or lodged into……So when we are using quotes effectively, we need to embed them, or deliberately work them into our own writing.

4. For example
Unembedded quotes are usually awkward and disrupt the flow of writing. The result is choppy writing, fragments, or run-on sentences.
Lyndon B. Johnson was not well respected by President Kennedy or Bobby Kennedy. “President Kennedy doesn’t trust him and barely tolerates him” (O’Reilly and Dugard 55).
Too choppy! The writer has not embedded the quote into their own thoughts—it just stands alone, without a clear connection to what the writer is arguing.

5. Improved…
Lyndon B. Johnson was not well respected in the white house. The only reason President Kennedy chose Johnson as his vice president was in order to help win votes in Texas. Outside of this advantage, it was said that “President Kennedy doesn’t trust him and barely tolerates him” (O’Reilly and Dugard 55).

6. How do I make sure my quotes are embedded?
You should never have a quotation standing alone as a complete sentence, or worse, as an incomplete sentence in your writing. It should always be surrounded by your own words!

7. Signal Phrases
Making sure you use a signal phrase before your quote ensures your quote is embedded.
Signal phrases signal to the reader that a quote/evidence is coming.
Acknowledges
Adds
Admits
Affirms
Agrees
Focuses on
Recognizes
Alludes
Argues
Asserts
Considers
Recounts
Proves
Illustrates
Implies
Indicates
Refers
Informs
Insists
Questions
Introduces
Notices
Observes
Points out
Presents
Declares
Replies
Defines
Demonstrates
Describes
Discusses
Discovers
Disputes
Reports
Relates
Emphasizes
Establishes
Explains
Expresses
Finds
Reveals

8. Ways to embed quotes… Begin with explanation before quote
Even though Oswald always wanted fame and recognition, he quickly tried to disprove his guilt: “I’m just a patsy” (O’Reilly and Dugard 287).

9. Ways to embed quotes… Begin with quote, then explain
“I’m just a patsy” (O’Reilly and Dugard 287) demonstrates Oswald’s suggestion that he was just a scapegoat for a larger conspiracy.

10. Ways to embed quotes… Quote is inserted in middle of explanation
Oswald tells a crowd of reporters that he is “just a patsy” (O’Reilly and Dugard 287) in order to deny shooting the president.

11. Which quote is embedded?
Despite the multiple affairs of her husband, Jackie still loved him. “If I hadn’t married you my life would be tragic because the definition of tragic is a waste” (O’ Reilly and Dugard 223).
Even though her husband has had many affairs, Jackie still loves him. Her devotion and adoration is demonstrated when she writes to him saying “If I hadn’t married you my life would be tragic because the definition of tragic is a waste” (O’ Reilly and Dugard 223).

12. Which quote is embedded?
Kennedy enjoyed spending time with his children now that he was no longer campaigning. He especially enjoyed their time together in the morning: “What was once a solitary morning ritual has become a family affair” (O’Reilly and Dugard 106).
Kennedy always seemed the most relaxed around his children , especially when spending time with them in the morning. “What was once a solitary morning ritual has become a family affair” (O’Reilly and Dugard 106).

13. Your turn!
With a partner, choose a quote to embed from Killing Kennedy. Write your embedded quote on the index card I give you. Make sure that you remember to cite your quote correctly!

14. Your turn!
With a partner, choose a quote to embed from Killing Kennedy. Write your embedded quote on the index card I give you. Make sure that you remember to cite your quote correctly!
If you have not found a quote yet, here are some to help.
“Oswald’s trip home was primarily to get his rifle. But he was willing to set aside his dark plan if Marina agreed to live with him.” Page 252
“The nation is devastated by the assassination of John F. Kennedy and is riveted to the television with depressed fascination as events unfold.” Page287
“Jackie revels in the Mona Lisa’s presence with a feeling of profound success, for it was her dream to bring the world’s most famous painting to the National Gallery of Art, in Washington.” Page136