Integrating Quotations
Learn to incorporate quotes smoothly into your own writing.
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Quotations support your ideas with evidence, but they must be integrated smoothly into your writing. A dropped or awkward quote disrupts the flow and confuses readers.
The Quote Sandwich Method
- Top Bread (Introduction): Set up the quote with context
- Filling (Quote): The actual quotation with citation
- Bottom Bread (Explanation): Explain how the quote supports your point
Ways to Introduce Quotes
- According to [author], "..."
- [Author] argues that "..."
- As [author] explains, "..."
- [Author] notes, "..."
- Research shows that "..."
Avoid Dropped Quotes
Dropped quote (weak): Exercise is important. "Regular physical activity reduces stress and improves mood" (Smith 45).
Integrated quote (strong): Exercise is important because, as health researcher Smith explains, "regular physical activity reduces stress and improves mood" (45).
Examples
Example: Full Quote Sandwich
Your sentence: Social media affects how teenagers view themselves.
Integrated: Social media affects how teenagers view themselves. Psychologist Dr. Jean Twenge warns that "teens who spend more than three hours daily on social media are at higher risk of mental health problems" (127). This research suggests that limiting screen time could improve teen well-being.
Analysis
- Introduction: Context about social media and self-image
- Quote: Expert evidence with author name and page number
- Explanation: Connects the quote to the broader argument
Practice
Question 1: What are the three parts of a "quote sandwich"?
Answer
Introduction (context), Quote (with citation), and Explanation (analysis of how it supports your point).
Question 2: What is a "dropped quote"?
Answer
A dropped quote is a quotation that appears without introduction or context, as if "dropped" into the paragraph. It disrupts flow and leaves readers without understanding who said it or why it matters.
Question 3: Fix this dropped quote: "Schools with arts programs have higher graduation rates" (Lopez 89). Arts education is valuable.
Answer
Fixed: Arts education is valuable. According to education researcher Lopez, "schools with arts programs have higher graduation rates" (89). This data supports increased funding for arts programs.
Question 4: Why should you explain a quote after presenting it?
Answer
Explanation shows how the quote connects to your argument. Quotes do not speak for themselves - readers need your analysis to understand why the evidence matters and how it supports your specific point.
Question 5: Which is better: "According to Smith" or "Smith says"? Why?
Answer
Both can work, but "According to Smith" is slightly more formal. "Smith argues," "Smith notes," or "Smith explains" add meaning by indicating the type of statement. Choose based on context and what the author is doing.
Question 6: Integrate this quote into a sentence: "Climate change is the defining challenge of our time" (UN Report).
Answer
Possible integration: The urgency of environmental action is clear. As the UN Report states, "climate change is the defining challenge of our time." This declaration calls for immediate international cooperation.
Question 7: Should every paragraph have a quote?
Answer
No. Quotes should support your ideas, not replace them. Some paragraphs may need multiple quotes; others may need none. Use quotes when the exact words matter or when expert credibility strengthens your point.
Question 8: When might you paraphrase instead of directly quoting?
Answer
Paraphrase when: the exact wording is not special, you need to simplify complex language, you want to combine multiple ideas, or you want the focus on the ideas rather than the source. Always cite paraphrases too.
Question 9: What punctuation goes before a quote introduced with "Smith argues that"?
Answer
No comma. When using "that" to introduce a quote, no comma is needed. Example: Smith argues that "exercise improves focus." But with a complete introduction sentence, use a comma: Smith argues, "Exercise improves focus."
Question 10: How do you integrate quotes from two different sources in one paragraph?
Answer
Use transition words to show the relationship: "Similarly, Johnson notes..." or "However, Chen disagrees..." Each quote needs its own introduction and citation. Show how the quotes relate to each other and to your argument.
Check Your Understanding
- Why is the quote sandwich method effective?
- What happens when you drop quotes without context?
- How do you decide whether to quote or paraphrase?
Next Steps
- Practice integrating quotes in your writing
- Review your past papers for dropped quotes
- Continue to Lesson 6: Unit Checkpoint