Using quotes in your writing A Writing Lab Presentation from Ms. Lomauro

Using quotes in your writing Integrating quotes into your writing, no matter what the subject, is a skill we all need to master. Textual support PROVES that what you are saying is true. It’s the difference between just saying something, and saying something with evidence to back it up.

Using quotes in your writing  QUOTE SELECTION Choose textual evidence that supports your thesis, or main argument. For example: If your thesis is about how Beowulf is an epic hero, choose quotes that support that particular argument, not quotes about other things. The difference between just putting in quotes because Ms. Lomauro told me to, and putting in quotes because they PROVE what I am saying about Beowulf is true.

Using quotes in your writing  “After the defeat of Grendel, Beowulf faces a tougher opponent: Grendel’s mother. She is vengeful at Hrothgar’s people for killing her son, and attacks them in retaliation for her son’s death. She kills Aeschere, Hrothgar’s good friend. “She had done away with a great warrior…” (p. 91). Beowulf is summoned to defeat her, and exhibits superhuman qualities…”

Using quotes in your writing  There’s nothing necessarily wrong with this author’s argument; in fact, this was a very good essay.  The issue here is structure: if your main thesis is how this defeat makes Beowulf an epic hero, give a quote about him!  Give evidence of his superhuman qualities— that would be a more effective quote to include here.

Using quotes in your writing  BEWARE OF THE QUOTE BOMB! Special thanks to Mrs. Kenealley for coining the term

Using quotes in your writing  A quote bomb happens when: A) You start a paragraph with a quote with no introduction or transition. OR B) You end a paragraph with a quote with no concluding thought or analysis.

BEWARE OF THE QUOTE BOMB!  Beware!  Cuidado!  Atchung!

Using quotes in your writing Q: What is the effect of a quote bomb? A: The structure of your writing may read as awkward, incomplete, or underdeveloped. Beginning quote bombs can be abrupt and ending quote bombs seem unfinished.

Using quotes in your writing When writing with quotes, think of the following analogy:

Using quotes in your writing Think panini…

Using quotes in your writing NOT filet mignon!

Using quotes in your writing  What does that mean?  Think of the bread as necessary components.  The top piece is an introduction to the quote.  The bottom piece is your own analysis, explanation, etc.

Using quotes in your writing  What would a panini be without the bread?  If the top pieces was missing, it would be an open-faced sandwich, thereby changing the structure altogether.  If the bottom piece were missing, it would be virtually impossible to eat it in the traditional way.

Using quotes in your writing  A very common recommendation that I make on student papers has to do with placement and integration of quotes from the text.  Learning how to do this properly will make your writing more developed and sophisticated.

Using quotes in your writing  Make the connection clear.  After a quote, answer the following questions:  Why is this quote important?  What does it show or prove?  What does it mean?

Using quotes in your writing  “Beowulf was an epic hero because he was willing to put himself in dangerous situations in order to save others. He also did not expect any reward in return. After his death, people remembered him as “of all the kings upon the earth, the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame” (p. 213).

Using quotes in your writing  What’s missing? The explanation or analysis of the quote…or, the bottom piece of bread.  ALWAYS end with your own words, your own thoughts.  Check it out now…

Using quotes in your writing  “Beowulf was an epic hero because he was willing to put himself in dangerous situations in order to save others. He also did not expect any reward in return. After his death, people remembered him as “of all the kings upon the earth, the man most gracious and fair- minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame” (p. 213). Beowulf’s legacy as an epic hero lives on in the minds of his people, and his heroic traits are celebrated until today.

Using quotes in your writing  This one additional piece makes the use of the quote valid AND  It ties your supporting arguments back to your original thesis.  Two crucial pieces of literature-based writing.

Using quotes in your writing “All this consoles me, doomed as I am sickening for death” (lines ). The Geats loved Beowulf because he was willing to die for the cause, and gave him a proper burial. This showed their gratefulness… What’s missing here? An introduction to the quote! The top piece of bread!

Using quotes in your writing Part of Beowulf’s status as an epic hero comes from the fact that he accepts all responsibilities, even death. “All this consoles me, doomed as I am sickening for death” (lines ). The Geats loved Beowulf because he was willing to die for the cause, and gave him a proper burial. This showed their gratefulness… NOW…the quote is introduced. We know who is speaking, and about what.

Using quotes in your writing  Overall, these Beowulf essays were strong.  Most of the comments I made were structural.  We’ll continue to work on these skills throughout the year.

THANK YOU!