Using quotations in an essay is a great way to start the paper. Especially when it comes to adding a thesis statement and supporting your perspectives with strong evidence, using a nice quote can take your essay paper up a notch. Moreover, it makes the paper more credible and analytically enriched in all shapes and forms.
No wonder students, these days, are often found to be on the lookout for custom essay help from seasoned experts to seek assistance and present unique essays. But even before you decide to sign up for online assistance, take some time to read this blog and learn how to place a quote in an essay on your own.
Here you go!
- Use relevant quotes
First, you should focus completely on the essay topic and look for relevant quotes to keep things relatable and rationally acceptable. Unless the quote sounds familiar, you cannot compel the target audience to continue reading the essay. The idea is to introduce quotes that let your reader know what evidence or support you are presenting.
- Use quotation marks around direct quotes
This is, again, one important point to note when it comes to learning how to place a quote in an essay. Direct quotes are supposed to be acknowledged by quotation marks. If you want to avoid the odds of plagiarism, use quotation marks and cite the source of the quote with precision. Also, make sure the quote isn’t in any way controversial, irrelevant, or offensive in any shape or form.
- Reanalyze the quote and link it back
Unless you reevaluate the quotation and add commentary after it, things won’t appear to be credible down the line. The idea is to analyze and link the quote to the thesis statement thoroughly.
Here, you are supposed to explain why you think the quote is the best fit for the essay and its key essentials. Please write a few sentences elaborating on the quote’s meaning and why it supports your thesis statement. Use rationally acceptable explanations and include simple words and phrases to write those explanatory sentences.
You have to keep the aspect of readability in mind while coming up with a quote and explaining the same. So, heed these suggestions, embrace the best practices, and never miss out on landing an impressive essay at the end of the day.
- Paraphrase the quote to restate someone’s idea
This is again one important point to be noted. At times, a few topics demand quote restatement. You must paraphrase the quote, especially if you wish to restate someone else’s idea in your own words. Make sure the paraphrased quote incorporates evidence into your paper.
Use simple words, include short sentences, and include clear explanations to make the paraphrased version of the quote equally relatable and relevant in the eyes of your target audience. So, refer to these suggestions and put your best foot forward for an impressive essay paper.
- Select a quote that backs up your argument
Merely paraphrasing a quote to restate someone else’s idea isn’t enough. If you attempt an argumentative essay topic or in case you choose to put across a point of argument, use quotes that back up your perspective. You must carefully choose the right quote and make a strong argument here. So, keep an eye out for relevant quotations by famous personalities. It can be famous excerpts from texts and journals. Just make sure to pick non-controversial quotes to avoid any form of backlashes.
- Use “lead-in” to provide some context
This is yet another point to be noted. Unless you provide some pre-context or a lead-in to introduce the quote, things won’t work out. The idea is to let your readers know you are providing evidence or support and stating where the support comes from.
You have to be careful here and pay heed to the background history or origin of the primary context of the discussion.
- Summarize the quotation in simple words
There is a thin line between analyzing a quote and summarizing the same. Here, you need to summarize the quote by using your judgment. Here are a few questions you must answer while narrowing down the quote in the form of a summary.
- What is the quote all about?
- How do I choose to go about it?
- Is the quotation relevant to my primary context of the discussion?
- What purpose will it serve in the long run?
- How should I put across a strong message with the quote?
Also, take note you should begin the summarization part with phrases such as “This refers to, “In other words,” “To put it in another way,” “To put differently,” and more.
- Avoid placing a quote in the conclusion.
Even though some students use quotations at the end of an essay to summarize the paper with its key elements, using them across the introductions is suggested. The idea is to use quotes so that readers can notice what elements you are about to discuss further.
If you place it right at the beginning of the essay, you can easily rope in the right eyes for the quotes and messages. As you know, “First impression is the last impression.” So, keep these suggestions in mind the next time you ideate how to place a quote in an essay, and never miss out on making an impression of excellence on your professors.
- Revise the entire piece before submission
No matter how relevant the quote is and what efforts you have put forth, things won’t turn out well if you end up submitting an unrevised paper. You should invest enough time revising the entire piece before submitting the same. Here are some tips for you to consider in this matter.
- Re-focus on the primary topic of the subject.
- See if you have used the right quotation or need to reconsider it.
- Check the paper thoroughly and see if you have justified the quotation throughout the main body paragraphs.
- Ensure the essay is grammatically flawless and that you have used the right references with proper citations.
- Also, watch for syntactical mistakes, wrong spellings, fillers, and fluffs.
Consider these suggestions, implement the same, and take your essay assignments up a notch.
Parting Thoughts,
Let me assume you know the bigger picture and what it takes to place a quote in an essay accurately. Embrace the best practices, focus on the suggestions discussed here, and never look back. Watch this space for more and refer to more such blogs to make your essays sail smoothly. After all, it takes the right determination and zeal to make a difference in your academic career.
Cheers and good luck!
