1. Writing Lesson #13: CECs: Introduction and Explanation of Quotes
I am so excited!
Junior English
PPT by Guidorizzi

2. All About Quotes It’s like a sandwich!
Quotes should be used throughout paper to prove argument 
Should not take up more than quarter of paper 
If you have too many quotes:
Paper ceases to be your creation 
It causes disjointed paper
Ideas that have been quoted do not get set up or explanation they need
Quotes should NEVER be selected at random – not filler 
Quotes lend authority to paper 
Finding a quote:
Examine purpose
Determine if quote will further argument
What is its significance?
Use CEC to ensure quote is prepared and explained 
The quote is between top layer of explanation and bottom layer of interpretation
It’s like a sandwich!

3. CEC Breakdown C = Claim (your argument)
What do you intend to prove? State in a direct way and be concise (keep it simple!)
E = Evidence (example)
Prove your CLAIM
Should only prove the main idea
C = Commentary (explanation)
Explains what your evidence has proven about your CLAIM in 1-2 sentences
Tie to your thesis statement
Tell your reader what you have learned
Could move the reader beyond the main idea
Should not repeat main idea word-for word

4. CEC Claim: Top Layer Quote Sandwich will provide clarity to paper
Transition between information you have written about
Should flow easily into quote
Offer context for quote
Set up quote, so reader knows why quote is being used
Might include who said it, when, and what is being discussed
Could possibly include the source

5. Evidence: The Middle Put quote in middle (Yum Yum!)
Quote is any words that are not your own
Do not search for quotation marks in text
Need to find a strong quote
Must support thesis
DO NOT choose random quote
Needs to be integrated grammatically and structurally with surrounding text

6. Commentary: Bottom Layer
Following quote, give interpretation of meaning (of the quote)
Explain how it supports argument or point you were making in paragraph
Move beyond the main idea
Would you make a sandwich without a bottom slice??? NEVER!
"Too few people understand a really good sandwich." James Beard

7. Example CEC
The leadership role George Washington played achieved America’s independence and shaped its government. According to Washington, “First, he commanded the Continental Army that won American independence from Great Britain in the Revolutionary War. Second, Washington served as president of the convention that wrote the United States Constitution. Third, he was elected the first President of the United States” (72). Washington was the leading figure that brought America its freedom and established a new nation. He was an essential part in the fight for independence and, without him, the future of America would have been questionable and possibly a dream never realized.

8. Works Cited
Owl at Purdue, The The Writing Lab & The Owl at Purdue and Purdue University. Web.19 May 2009.
UCLA: Office of Instructional Development Teach 2 Write: A Guide for Teaching Writing. Web. 25 May 2009.
Valencia Community College Faculty FrontDoor at Valencia Community College. Web. 25 May 2009.