Using “quotes” in your writing

Using “quotes” in your writing English 9

Famous Quotes Name the speaker for these famous quotes: “No! Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try” “To be, or not to be, that is the question…”

Famous Quotes “One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them” “My momma said, life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get”

Inspirational Quotes “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character”

Inspirational Quotes “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”

Why We Use Quotes Some of the reasons why you might use a quote: • Make an opening impact on the reader • Add humour to your piece • Make the writing more interesting – think “hook” • You are developing evidence (arguments) about what the author of the text is conveying • You use quotes to support the evidence; more specifically to “prove” your point • Don’t just throw quotes in to “fill space” – this is unproductive!

How to Use Quotes in Your Writing

(1)Nice to Meet You Introduce your quotations! A quotation should never suddenly appear out of nowhere. Some kind of information about the quotation is needed. Name the author, give his or her credentials. Also, consider using either a (comma) or (colon) to help you introduce the quote: For example: But John Jones disagrees with this point, saying, "Such a product would not sell." or But John Jones disagrees with this point, saying:"Such a product would not sell.“

Verb Choice = Style! Use Variety in Your Writing What VERB shall I use to introduce the quote? – Careful this can introduce a “tone”!! Note that the particular verb you choose helps orient your reader toward your opinion of the statement. "Jones says" is neutral;"Jones informs us" is positive, "Jones alleges" is somewhat negative.

(2)Elaborate on the Quote Discuss your quotations! Do not quote someone and then leave the words hanging as if they were self explanatory. What does the quotation mean and how does it help establish the point you are making? What is your interpretation or opinion of it? Quotations are like examples: discuss them to show how they fit in with your thesis and with the ideas you are presenting. • Remember: quotations support or illustrate your own points. They are not substitutes for your ideas and they do not stand by themselves.

(3)Phrasing after the Quote Explain the quote now! For example you might consider some of the following post quote phrasing: • Here we see that • This statement shows • Clearly, then, • We can conclude from this that • This tells us that • From this we can infer

Quotation Mark Exercise Mary is trying hard in school this semester, her father said. "Mary is trying hard in school this semester," her father said.

Let’s Practice! A Long Walk to Water As you listen to the reading of chapters 11 and 12, make note of a quote that is used by the author. • Note the page number for future reference • Use a sticky note to help you find the quote (if this helps) • Jot down the speaker of the quote • Quickly refer to the context of the quote At the end of the readings, you will write a piece, which includes the quote you have noted. • Think of this writing as a supporting element of a larger piece of writing (i.e. an essay) • Remember the guidelines!

Using “quotes” in your writing