Proper Quote Integration Practice 8 th Grade Reading

Proper Quote Integration Practice 8 th Grade Reading & Language Arts

There are three basic rules to follow when choosing quotations: (Note: a quotation is not just when you quote a character —it is also when you quote text) q. Use quotations when another writer’s words are memorable and will make your paper more interesting. q. Use quotations when another writer’s words can say something better than you. q. Use quotations when you want add authority to your paper. Basically, you are providing proof that what you are arguing is true.

You can QUOTE me on that! §A quote is the exact wording of a statement from a source. §Quotes make an essay more believable; they are evidence that can support your thesis. §Opinions supported by quoted text are evidence of good reading and thoughtful responses.

Integrating Quotations Once you’ve selected the passage you want to quote, work the material into your paper in as naturally as you can. You DON’T want to just drop quotes into the middle of your paper without any kind of “set up”. • According to Joe, “It was a night made for hard thoughts” (Sims 93). • It was a long night. “ It was a night made for hard thoughts” (Sims 93).

What is Wrong with this paragraph? The main conflict in the story “The Athletic Snob” is that Joe Ricardo wants to be the state champion in wrestling, but he wants to also help Piggy does not know how to play soccer so Joe helps him. “ Joe Ricardo, a boy from the other side of the tracks met Piggy Parker” (Barnes 32). Piggy does not help Joe become the state champion.

What’s Wrong With This Paragraph? * The quote is just “dropped in” * The quote does not connect to what the writer is saying about Joe * There is no commentary or explanation of why the quote is included

3 Ways to introduce a quote: 1. Introduce a quote with a complete sentence and a colon. (Begin with an explanation) ◦ Sometimes people come into our lives for unexpected reasons: “Joe Ricardo, a boy from the other side of the tracks, had planned to be the state wrestling champ, until he met Piggy Parker” (32).

2. Use an introductory or explanatory phrase followed by a comma. Piggy shows his true feeling towards Joe when he says, “ You’re a snob Joe! An athletic Snob” (33).

3. Make the quotation part of your own sentence without any punctuation between your words and the quote. Piggy informs Joe that he looks “down at others who aren’t as good at sports as him” (33). If you chose the option above, you may have to change something in the original text to make the quote fit in your sentence. To do this place the change in brackets [ ]. Piggy informs Joe that he looks “down at [players] who aren’t as good at sports as him” (33).

Handling Quotes in Your Text Author’s last name and page number(s) of quote must appear in the text Romantic poetry is characterized by the “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” (Wordsworth 263). Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” (263).

Expanding on a quote Do write 2 -3 sentences after the quote that ties it to the assertion you are making. Do expand on the quote. In some cases, just plopping a quote in is worse than not including one in the essay. It confuses the reader. When you explain a quote your explanation should some how refer back to your thesis. Do’s Repeat what the quote says Stay away from statements like “On page 24, the narrator says…” Or “In chapter 3, this quote says…” Don’t refer to a quote by saying “this quote shows” Don’t simply move to the next point. If the quote is important enough to be in your essay, it is important enough to be discussed. Don’t

Practice Directions: Integrate one of the following quotes from “Athletic Snob” into your own sentence using one of the 3 ways to introduce a quote 1. “ I was mad at myself for blowing my whole week on a kid I’d never see again…He’d have to find another sucker for the next week” (Barnes 246). 2. “ ‘It’s not my game-not here, not at home, not ever. At home it’s for the country-club kids from across town-kids like those creeps from Hilltop High” (Barnes 246). 3. “ “ Things come easy for youlike my old man’s money. So you look down on anyone who isn’t good at sports’ ” (Barnes 236).