Citing quotes within a paper is an important part of academic writing as it allows you to show the reader where you obtained your information and to give credit to the original source. In this essay, we will discuss the proper way to cite a quote within a paper, using the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style as an example.
First and foremost, it is important to introduce the quote in your own words and provide context for the reader. This helps the reader understand the significance of the quote and how it relates to your argument. For example, you might write: "According to John Doe, 'The best way to approach a problem is to break it down into smaller parts' (Doe 27)." Here, you have introduced the quote and provided the author's name and page number for the reader to locate the quote in the original source.
Next, it is important to properly format the quote within your paper. In the MLA style, long quotes (those that are more than four lines of text) should be set apart from the rest of your text and indented one inch from the left margin. Short quotes (those that are four lines of text or less) should be included within your text and surrounded by quotation marks. For example:
Long quote:
John Doe argues that the best way to approach a problem is to break it down into smaller parts:
"When faced with a complex problem, it can be overwhelming to try to tackle it all at once. Instead, try breaking the problem down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This will not only make the problem seem less daunting, but it will also make it easier to find a solution" (Doe 27).
Short quote:
According to John Doe, "the best way to approach a problem is to break it down into smaller parts" (27).
It is important to note that both long and short quotes should include the author's name, page number (or other relevant source information), and a signal phrase (such as "according to" or "as stated by") to introduce the quote.
Finally, it is essential to properly cite the quote in your works cited page at the end of your paper. In the MLA style, the citation should include the author's last name, first name, title of the work, publication information, and the medium of publication. For example:
Doe, John. "The Art of Problem-Solving." The Journal of Creative Thinking, vol. 3, no. 1, Jan. 2010, p. 27. Print.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite quotes within your paper and give proper credit to the original source. Citing quotes not only helps to support your argument, but it also demonstrates your credibility as a researcher and helps to avoid plagiarism.
