Using Quotes in an Essay

1. Using Quotes in an Essay

2. Introducing Quotes Quotes can NEVER float on their own. They always need an introduction of some kind.

3. Introducing Quotes • 1. Introductory phrases with a colon • Use a complete sentence + a colon • Example: She shares details about her excursions abroad: “Sometimes I’d be doing my homework on the side of a mountain!” (93) • Example: The setting emphasizes deception: "Nothing is as it appears" (65).

4. Introducing Quotes • 2. Introductory phrase with a comma • Example: She recalls, “I never thought I’d win!” (93) • Example: Smith states, "This book is terrific" (102) • Smith remarks, " . . . Smith writes, " . . . Smith notes, " . . . Smith comments, " . . . Smith observes, " . . . Smith concludes, " . . . Smith reports, " . . . Smith maintains, " . . . Smith adds, " . . . 

5. Introducing Quotes • 3. Use a phrase to complete the sentence • Use this method if only part of the quote is important and you can fill-in your own words • Example: Hamlet's task is to avenge a "foul and most unnatural murder" (Shakespeare 925). • Example: The speaker is mystified by her sleeping baby, whose "moth-breath / flickers among the flat pink roses" (Plath 17).

6. Review • Can someone list the three main ways to introduce a quote?

7. Interpreting Quotes • You MUST explain your quote and how it proves the point you are trying to make! • We often use reporting verbs to help us explain the quote • Reporting verbs include: Confirms demonstrates emphasizes explains indicates mentions states suggests describes identifies shows introduces illustrates remarks

8. Interpreting Quotes • 1. Use the character/author’s actions/words/thoughts/feelings + reporting verb • Example: These feelingssuggest that Larson worked hard for her dreams.

9. Interpreting Quotes 2. Use “This” + reporting verb • Example: Thisexplains how Larson became interested in mountain climbing.

10. Interpreting Quotes 3. Use the character/author’s name + reporting verb • Example: Larson’s use of colloquial language emphasizes her personality and helps readers understand the challenges she faces.

11. Review • What are reporting verbs? • What are some general tips about interpreting a quote?

12. Introduce a quote • Introductory sentence + colon • Introductory phrase + comma • Use the quote to complete the sentence • Interpret your quote • Feelings/actions/thoughts/words + reporting verb • “This” + reporting verb • Author’s name + reporting verb

13. The damage to the Taj Mahal is being caused by “factories, oil refineries, and cars in the nearby city of Agra.” This explains that due to deterioration, the Taj Mahal’s condition is becoming worse. • Introduce a quote • Introductory sentence + colon • Introductory phrase + comma • Use the quote to complete the sentence • Interpret your quote • Feelings/actions/thoughts/ words + reporting verb • “This” + reporting verb • Author’s name + reporting verb

14. The author writes, “factories, oil refineries, and cars…pump pollution into the air.” These pollutants seem to be destroying the rock of the Taj Mahal. The author states one reason why the Taj Mahal is deteriorating: “The pollutants have begun to eat away and discolor the white marble” (104). • Introduce a quote • Introductory sentence + colon • Introductory phrase + comma • Use the quote to complete the sentence • Interpret your quote • Feelings/actions/thoughts/words + reporting verb • “This” + reporting verb • Author’s name + reporting verb