1. The Art of Seamlessly Weaving Sources Into Original Content
Quote Integration
The Art of Seamlessly Weaving Sources Into Original Content

2. Quotation Uses To argue with another author’s definition of a term
To provide statistical evidence or testimony to validate a claim
To present the reader with a statement we wish to refute or discuss in detail

3. Quotation Problems
The Weak Weave: If the reader sees clear distinctions between the writer’s voice and those of his sources, the text becomes disjointed and loses fluency. This will likely result in frustration for the reader.
Ex: Jill and Sandy were best friends. “You are my best friend” (Jones 10). This was stated by Sandy.

4. Quotation Problems Cont’d
The Dreary Design: If each quotation is introduced using the same sentence structure and the same verb to indicate the author’s opinion, readers will quickly become bored with the presentation and tune out the writer’s message.
Ex: Jones says, “…” Jones says, “…” Jones says, “…”

5. Quote Problems Cont’d
The Salting Syndrome: If a reader can remove the quotes that have been “sprinkled” through the paper and still understand the essay, then the quotes are not an integral part of the essay and do not further the argument.

6. Quotation Problems Cont’d
The Overpowering Opinion: If the writer over-quotes, essentially summarizing another author, the writer’s voice will be lost as the powerful opinion of an “expert” occupies the slot in which the reader expects to find original content.

7. Quote Integration Tips
Make sure that they are integrated smoothly into the argument, flow, and syntax of the paper without any logical or grammatical jolts.
All borrowed ideas or words should be accompanied by a signal phrase that names the author or otherwise alerts the reader that the information is from a source.

8. Quotation Steps
Introduce
Integrate
Interpret

9. Step 1: Introduce
You start by setting up, or introducing, the quote. You should establish the point you will be making and provide enough background information so that the quote makes sense
Ex: Camaraderie among the soldiers is never more evident than in the relationship between Lemon and Rat. One day, Rat, following Lemon’s untimely death, “writes a tearful letter to his sister”(O’Brian 65).

10. Step 2: Integrate
Next, you integrate the quote into a sentence by setting it off using a comma or blend it into your own writing
Ex: When he receives no response, Rat states, “Jesus Christ, man, I write this beautiful letter, I slave over it, and what happens? The dumb [girl] never writes back” (O’Brien 69).

11. Step 3: Interpret
Finally, you interpret the quote. NEVER LET A QUOTE SPEAK FOR ITSELF. Interpret does not mean restate or repeat; Interpret means to explain the significance of the quote in regard to the point you are making. Avoid using phrases like, “This quotes shows . . .” or “In the previous quote . . .”
After enduring the horrifying experiences of war together, Lemon and Rat are clearly extremely close. The way Rat describes it, their relationship is even deeper than that of family; that is the reason Rat reacts so violently to being ignored by Lemon’s sister.

12. Verbs/Signal Phrases and Quotation
Verbs can be used to introduce summaries, paraphrases, and quotations that indicate the author’s point of view on the topic, thus adding to the writer’s rhetorical power.
In the sentence Smith __________ that the “flood might have been disastrous,” filling in the blank with observes, finds, or insists would create different meanings.

13. Verb/Signal Phrase Options
Neutral Author
Comments
Describes
Explains
Illustrates
Notes
Observes
Relates
Writes
Says
Author Implies
Analyzes
Asks
Concludes
Finds
Predicts
Proposes
Reveals
Speculates
Suggests
Supposes

14. Verb/Signal Phrase Options Cont’d
Author Argues
Claims
Contends
Defends
Holds
Insists
Maintains
Agrees
Concedes
Concurs
Grants
Author Disagrees
Disparages
Belittles
Bemoans
Complains
Condemns
Deplores
Deprecates
Derides
Laments
Warns

15. Some examples of signal phrases with author tags
According to Jane Doe, "..."
As Jane Doe goes on to explain, "..."
Characterized by John Doe, the society is "..."
As one critic points out, "..."
John Doe believes that "..."
Jane Doe claims that "..."
In the words of John Doe, "..."