Using Quotations In Your Writing When you use a quotation in your writing, insert it as part of your own sentence. A comma or a colon should precede the direct quotation you are inserting. The quotation becomes part of a grammatically correct sentence that you write. NEVER JUST “PLUNK” A QUOTATION INTO YOUR WRITING.

Example #1—using a comma and making the quotation a part of an original sentence. At one point in the novel Uncle Axel states, “ ‘What makes man man is mind.’ ” (Wyndham 35). The single quotation marks inside the double quotation marks denote that this quotation is dialogue. **For Drama, you do not use single quotation marks because we already know it is dialogue.**

Example #2—using a colon. Shakespeare is one of the greatest writers of all time. It is amazing that he was able to write so many plays, considering he wrote before the age of the typewriter and word processor: It’s hard to imagine, but Shakespeare wrote all his plays with a quill pen, a goose feather whose hard end had to be sharpened frequently. How many times did he scrape the dull end to a point with his knife, dip it into the inkwell, and bring it up, dripping wet, those wonderful words and ideas that are known all over the world? (Bevington 2)

Basic Format to Follow When Using quotations in Formal Writing Assignments: Three Steps. 1. Provide an introduction to your quotation to provide context. The clause preceding a quotation is called the signal phrase. This should be enough information so that the quotation will make sense to the reader and should flow logically with the rest of your writing. (Do not just “drop” the quotation into your writing.) 2. Your quotation should be grammatically inserted into your writing. It should be part of a complete sentence that you have written. Once you have correctly inserted your quotation, the last step is to explain the purpose the quotation serves in your writing. Often, you will be using a quotation to help argue or prove a thesis. Be sure that you clearly explain the quotation and how it supports what you are arguing. (see Inherit the Wind example)

GENERAL RULES: Do not begin or end your essay with a quotation (or do so sparingly) Quotations must be accurate and must be referenced with in-text citations*--which means you will also need a works cited page at the end of your paper Note rules for quoting dialogue in drama* Learn the rules for using single quotation marks vs double quotation marks

If the quotation is less than four lines of your writing, put quotation marks around the quotation and include it in your writing. If a quotation is four lines or more, double indent the quotation, but do not enclose it in quotation marks. Only use quotation marks that were in the original text.

Step one: Choose a question that will work for the assignment. Sample Answer Step one: Choose a question that will work for the assignment. Step two: Think about the correct answer and list all relevant supporting details. Then, choose a quotation that will enhance this answer. Step three: Write the first draft of the answer. (250 words)

Your Draft List all specific components/details of a great answer for the question. Find a quotation (s) that will support and enhance this answer. Begin your expository paragraph with a clear topic sentence. Fully answer the question [while using the three steps for using quotations to insert a quotation (s)] in well organized paragraph*

Grammar Don’t worry too much about grammar, spelling and punctuation as you work on your first drafts. Editing should occur after you have organized and written a thorough answer. Worry about Thought and Detail first.

Purpose/Audience Purpose: 1. provide a top-quality paragraph answer to a review question. 2. Make sure that an important quotation from the play is used to support the answer. 3. Use the MLA format guide on my web-site Audience: A very picky English teacher who has high expectations.