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Citing: The MLA Way

Editing

Plagiarism

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    Quotations are, without a doubt, crucial in college-level academic writing.  In virtually every formal essay you are assigned, you will want or need to integrate quotations.  But when should you use them?  How many is too many?  How long is too long?  Where do they go? How should they look?  So many questions, so little time.

   The process of choosing quotations and using them effectively begins long before pen touches paper or fingers touch keyboards.  As you read your sources, underline or highlight sentences, ideas, and phrases that seem significant or word the subject matter in a distinct manner. Remember that the points the authors made that helped you come to your conclusion or that seemed incorrect may also help your audience understand the point you are presenting or give you something to debate about.

    There are four basic ways to integrate someone else's words into your prose, each with a different combination of your voice and the other author's voice.  Some styles will have more of your voice, others less.

    After we review these four methods, I'll explain some other elements about effective quoting and special cases.  But, as always, nothing substitutes for talking with your instructor and referring to your handbook.
 

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