1. SUPPORTING YOUR ARGUMENTS WITH TEXTUAL EVIDENCE Embedding Quotes

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 we mean by embedded? Quotes should not just be randomly inserted!  Equality was different. “We were born with a curse.” “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.  Example: Equality was different in many ways. He was not like the rest of his society. “There is evil in your bones Equality, for your body has grown beyond the bodies of your brothers” (Rand 18). 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…  Equality was different in many ways. His society wanted everyone to be the same and did not value differences the way the world does today. His society looked down on him for being different even for things beyond his control, like his height. The elders told him “There is evil in your bones Equality, for your body has grown beyond the bodies of your brothers” (Rand 18).

6. Which one is embedded? Equality was also different in his thoughts. “We think there are mysteries in the sky and under the water and in the plants which grow. But the Council of Scholars has said that there are no mysteries” (23). Along with his height setting him apart from others, Equality’s thoughts are also different. Equality thinks beyond what he is taught, as demonstrated when he says “We think there are mysteries in the sky and under the water and in the plants which grow. But the Council of Scholars has said that there are no mysteries” (23).

7. Which one is embedded? Equality was also different in his thoughts. “We think there are mysteries in the sky and under the water and in the plants which grow. But the Council of Scholars has said that there are no mysteries” (23). Along with his height setting him apart from others, Equality’s thoughts are also different. Equality thinks beyond what he is taught, as demonstrated when he says “We think there are mysteries in the sky and under the water and in the plants which grow. But the Council of Scholars has said that there are no mysteries” (23).

8. 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!

9. 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.

10. Signal Phrases Acknowledges Adds Admits Affirms Agrees Alludes Analyzes Argues Asserts Confirms Connects Considers Contends Contradicts Contrasts Hypothesizes Illuminates Illustrates Implies Indicates Informs Insists Introduces Maintains Means Notes Notices Observes Offers Points out Prepares Presents Proves Questions Recognizes Recommends Recounts Refers Reflects Reiterates Rejects Relates Remarks Replies Reports Responds Reveals Says Shows Creates Declares Defines Demonstrates Describes Discusses Discovers Disputes Documents Emphasizes Establishes Explains Expresses Finds Focuses on Highlights

11. 3 Ways to Embed Quotes 1. Begin with explanation before quote Even though Equality knows he is going against his society, he stands firm in his decision to think for himself: “The evil of our crime is not for the human mind to probe…And yet there is no shame in us and no regret. (37). 2.Begin with quote, then explain “The evil of our crime is not for the human mind to probe…And yet there is no shame in us and no regret,” (37) demonstrates Equality’s dedication to thinking for himself, despite how evil it be. 3.Quote is inserted in middle of explanation Equality states “The evil of our crime is not for the human mind to probe…And yet there is no shame in us and no regret” (37), showing his commitment to thinking for himself.