Quotations

A quotation records an author's exact wording. Quotations should be used sparingly. Papers should be made up mostly of summaries and paraphrases of the information a student finds while researching, using quotations for effect. Another author's words may lend credibility to an argument or express something that cannot be adequately paraphrased, but the use of too many quotes weakens an argument by obscuring the student's voice, suggesting a lack of confidence in the argument.

When to Quote

• Use quotations when another writer's language is particularly memorable and will add interest and liveliness to your paper.
• Use quotations when another writer's language is so clear and economical that to make the same point in your own words would, by comparison, be ineffective.
• Use quotation when you want the solid reputation of a source to lend authority and credibility to your own writing.

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