Integrating Sources into Your Paper

Quotations use the exact phrasing of the original author.  When you are using a quotation, you want to make sure you copy it word for word exactly as it appears in the original source and provide a citation. Quotations are set apart by quotation marks for shorter quotes or a block quote for longer quotations.  The Purdue Owl provides examples of how to set up both short and long quotations in APA and MLA.

Sometimes the original author says it best.  The author may use particular language that is clever or hard to reword.  Using quotations is perfectly acceptable but don't overdo it.  Remember, you need to include your own voice so having a paper full of quotations will not reflect your conclusions very well.

The video below demonstrates how to incorporate quotations into your paper.  You need to be sure to provide context and introduce your quotes so that your paper flows well.