Quoting the exact words of a source is a powerful way to support your thesis with other voices that are distinctive and eloquent.
Learn when using a direct quotation is a good method of incorporating source material into your paper.
Use quotations when you need to present the exact words of another writer or source, but take care to avoid using quotations to speak for you.
Learn how often you should use quotations in your research paper.
Determine the appropriateness of when to quote.
Transitioning between your own ideas and another writer’s ideas can be tricky, so it is important in a research paper to let your readers know which ideas are yours and which are not.
Different disciplines have varying guidelines, but it is always a good idea to provide readers with introductory words that provide context for your use of a quotation.
Consider when to use signal phrases to introduce a quote.
Know how to use signal phrases to incorporate your sources into your research paper.
To help readers understand why you have used a particular quotation, you’ll need to carefully weave them into your research paper.
Sometimes to integrate quotations smoothly into your work, you will need to omit words, condense material, or add needed words to a passage. Always use punctuation to alert readers to any changes from the original source.
Understand the importance of providing context for quotations.
Recognize how to weave quotes into your research paper for utmost clarity.
Some quotes are so long that you will need to set them out in a blocked format to be easily read.
When incorporating long quoted passages into your work, follow your discipline’s guidelines for setting them off from the rest of your text.
Format and punctuate block quotes correctly.
Know how to integrate block quotes in your research paper.
Since you have quoted lines and research that is not yours, it’s always important to fully cite and credit your original source.
Include citation information for any quotation you include in your research project.
Know the different documentation styles for quotations.
Use appropriate documentation for your quotes.