Direct Quote
What Is Direct Quoting?
Using an author or speaker’s exact words. The material is copied word-for-word from a source without changes to the original.
Characteristics of a Direct Quote
- Is copied word-for-word
- Uses quotation marks
- Uses a signal phrase to introduce information about the source before the quote (learn more about signal phrases)
- Credits the original source
- Is less than four typed lines (short quote)
- Is more than four typed lines (block quote)
When quoting works longer than four lines, use a block quote format:
- Indent 1/2 inch from the left margin
- Do not use quotation marks
- Include in-text citation at the end of quote
- Introduce a block quote with a complete sentence followed by a colon
Block Quote Example
Below is an example of a signal phrase introducing a block quote.
There are several essential questions about bullying that all educational leadership should consider:
Is bullying minimized as a “normal rite of childhood,” or is it recognized as the harmful peer abuse that it is? Do leaders understand that uninterrupted, severe bullying can present lifelong negative consequences on targets of bullies, bullies, and witnesses? Are school leaders dedicated to promoting all children’s positive psychological health, or do they over-rely on punishing misbehavior? Can they differentiate between typical developmental processes that need guidance versus bullying that needs assertive intervention? Are educators sensitive to their students, and do they value children’s feelings? (Divecha)
When to Use Direct Quoting
- When you cannot easily express the same idea in your own words
- When using your own words would lessen the impact of the original language
- When original writing has striking or memorable author statements, expert opinions
- When you plan to argue against a writer’s ideas and want to state them accurately
- Don’t over-quote. Overusing direct quotes lessons the impact of your writing and the demonstration of the control and knowledge over the subject matter.
- Don’t use two direct quotes in a row.
