Integrating Quotations: Common Mistakes

Summary

This video discusses common mistakes in integrating quotations into essays and offers practical tips for avoiding them. Key topics include the misuse of punctuation in signal phrases, overloading citations, using the word 'quote' incorrectly, confusing authors with characters, and awkward post-quote phrasing. The video also emphasizes the importance of placing quotations effectively within paragraphs and provides advice for handling block quotations. With clear examples, the video helps students integrate quotes smoothly, ensuring clarity and proper attribution in academic writing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use curved quotation marks in your writing (Microsoft Word is recommended) to avoid signs of plagiarism.
• 😀 When quoting short phrases, avoid unnecessary punctuation like colons—use a running signal phrase instead.
• 😀 A signal phrase should only contain the author’s name for short quotes; avoid overloading it with titles or page numbers unless necessary.
• 😀 Refrain from repeating the word 'quote' in your signal phrase. Instead, use 'passage' or describe the quote's content.
• 😀 Never confuse the author with the character when quoting, especially in literary texts. Always specify if the quote comes from a character.
• 😀 Avoid starting or ending paragraphs with quotations. Place quotes in the middle of your paragraph to keep your voice dominant.
• 😀 For block quotes (4+ lines), provide context before introducing the quote to guide the reader's understanding.
• 😀 After a block quote, don't start a new paragraph immediately. Tie the quote back to your argument first.
• 😀 When citing a quote, the citation (e.g., page number) should come after the quote, not before it.
• 😀 If using long quotes, don’t continue your sentence after the quote with awkward phrases like 'showing'. Instead, end the sentence and start a new one.

Q & A

What are the three parts of a properly integrated quote in academic writing?

The three parts of a properly integrated quote are the signal phrase (introducing the quote), the quote itself, and the citation (often including a page number).

Why is it important to use curved quotation marks instead of straight quotation marks?

Curved quotation marks should be used because straight quotation marks are commonly associated with copying text from the web and may indicate plagiarism. Curved quotes are the standard in academic writing.

When quoting a short phrase, what should you avoid in terms of punctuation?

When quoting a short phrase, avoid using a colon or comma before the quote. Instead, run the signal phrase directly into the quote without any intervening punctuation.

What mistake do students often make by overloading the signal phrase with information?

Students often overload the signal phrase by including unnecessary details like the title of the work or the page number. Typically, only the author’s name is needed in the signal phrase, and the citation should come after the quote.

Why is it awkward to use the word 'quote' in the signal phrase?

Using the word 'quote' is awkward because it suggests the original text was already a quotation, which may not be the case. Instead, words like 'passage' or rephrasing the purpose of the quote can be used.

What is a common issue when students attempt to flatter the author they’re quoting?

Students often unnecessarily flatter the author by calling them 'notable' or 'memorable.' This is unnecessary in academic writing, as the focus should be on the content of the quote itself, not praise for the author.

How can students avoid confusing the author with the character in literary quotes?

Students can avoid this by attributing the quote to the character, not the author. For instance, if a character like Wemmick says something, it should be attributed to Wemmick, not Charles Dickens.

What is the best way to handle quotations after a longer quote?

After a longer quote, it’s best to start a new sentence with a period, rather than continuing the sentence with present participles like 'showing,' which can sound awkward.

Why is it important to be cautious when placing quotations at the beginning or end of a paragraph?

Placing quotations at the beginning or end of a paragraph can overshadow your own voice and analysis. It’s better to place them within the body of the paragraph, ensuring your argument remains clear and central.

What is the proper way to introduce and follow-up on a block quote?

When introducing a block quote, provide enough context beforehand to help the reader understand what the quote is about. After the block quote, don’t start a new paragraph immediately; instead, explain the significance of the quote and tie it back to your argument.