1. Basic Guidelines Mr. Wiggins
Integrating Quotes
Basic Guidelines
Mr. Wiggins

2. Why quote? To offer evidence to support your argument or point
To highlight specific words or phrases that are unique or particularly important
To critique a specific point

3. Choosing a quote Make sure it comes from a reliable source
Make sure you understand both the original statement and the context
Understand how it supports your topic
If you like a quote but it doesn’t quite fit, don’t use it.
Save it for another time.

4. Introduce your quote
When you use quotations in your papers, they should be introduced and integrated into a sentence of your own. A useful transition that is employed a great deal in academic writing is—
According to _____, professor of ____ at ____, "quote goes here" (citation).
This kind of transitional phrase introduces the author and why we should care about what s/he has to say
(e.g. b/c of his/her credentials, expertise, position, etc.)

5. Vary your word choice
There are many useful words you can use to introduce the quote:
Argues, Acknowledges, States, Claims, Asserts Writes, Posits, Notes, Adds, Observes, Remarks, States, Alleges, Explains, Informs
Use the one that is most appropriate for each particular quote

6. Punctuation You need to use a comma after most introductory words
As political science professor at University of Illinois Fred Smith argues, “…” (citation).
You do not need to use a comma after ‘that’
Fred Smith, political science professor at University of Illinois, warns us that “…” (citation).
Use an ellipsis (…) if you leave out any part of a quote
The period goes outside of the parenthetical citation.
According to Hector von Glahn, professor of international terrorism at University of Washington, it is true that “on a unilateral basis, country after country has amended its domestic legislation in order to provide for the trial and punishment of air hijackers” (von Glahn 293).