ECI 716

1. 5.1.3 Effective and Ineffective Integration of Quotations

2. 5.1.3 Effective and Ineffective Integration of Quotations In this lesson, you will learn to distinguish between effective and ineffective integration of quotations.

3. 5.1.3 Effective and Ineffective Integration of Quotations There are two problems to address in integrating quotations in your own text. One is losing your voice in the paper. The other is just sounding awkward. They often feed upon each other, so the guidelines for avoiding the problems overlap to some degree.

4. 5.1.3 Effective and Ineffective Integration of Quotations As a general rule, don’t try to start a quotation in the middle of a sentence from an original source and continue with one or more new sentences in the quotation. This takes quite a bit of sophistication to make work, and unless you’re really good at it, or have lots of time for revising, avoid the problem.

6. 5.1.3 Effective and Ineffective Integration of Quotations As an alternative, if you want to start in the middle of a sentence, try: quoting that segment, then interrupting with your commentary, and then continuing with the quote that begins a new sentence

9. Thoreau argued, “That government is best which governs least . . .” (226).

12. 5.1.3 Effective and Ineffective Integration of Quotations Is it clear WHY you are using a quotation? Don’t assume that the audience can read your mind. If you need to explain the inclusion of the information, do it. Remember that your voice is supposed to dominate the paper – not your sources – even when it is appropriate to provide extensive evidence and frequent quotations to support your argument.

13. 5.1.3 Effective and Ineffective Integration of Quotations Let’s practice: The best way to get better at integrating sources is to observe how experts do it. Locate a scholarly, peer-reviewed article on a topic of interest to you. Identify 10 examples of effectively integrated quotations and explain (1) what they have done to make the quotations avoid awkwardness AND (2) how they have kept their own voices dominant in the article.

14. 5.1.3 Effective and Ineffective Integration of Quotations Work Cited Thoreau, Henry David. “Resistance to Civil Government.” Walden andResistance to Civil Government. Ed. William Rossi. New York: Norton, 1992. 226-245. Print.