Question

When you use a direct quotation, you should cite the text exactly, put quotation marks around it, and cite the page. What else should you do?

A.
write a summary of the section the quotation comes from, to provide context

B.
write your commentary about the quotation, explaining why you agree or disagree

C.
find a similar quotation from another source, to validate the first one

D.
find a quotation from another source that contradicts this one, to give perspective

Answer 1

The correct answer is option letter B. When you use a direct quotation, you have to write the author’s last name followed by the year of publication and page number between parentheses. You also have to place a comma after the reporting phrase, put quotation marks before and after the words quoted and capitalize the first word of the quotation. Quotations should support, not make, your points. That is why a brief commentary about the quotation, either in favor or in contrast, will make your writing cohesive and legible.

Answer 2

Answer:

B. write your commentary about the quotation, explaining why you agree or disagree.

Explanation:

When you use a direct quotation, you should do all of the things mentioned before. However, you should also write your commentary about the quotation. It is very important to explain why you agree or disagree with the quotation in order for the audience to understand why you have included it. Moreover, by providing commentary about it, you will also clarify why the quotation contributes to your argument and what it is that the audience can learn from it.