E12 Using Quotations

Here are some key points to remember when using quotations:

1)   Incorporate quotations into your sentences.

"Mamselle Aurelie possessed a good strong figure, ruddy cheeks, hair that was changing form brown to gray, and a determined face.":

INCORPORATE KEY WORDS

The main character of the story, Mamselle Aurelie, was described by Kate Chopin as being not feminine in her appearance or her personality. She had a "good strong figure" which suggsts that she was more masculine in her appearance. Also, she had a "determined face" which suggested that she was not a typical passive woman of the day.

2)   Keep quotations to a few words.  Quotations are like salt in food: a little bit gives flavour; too much ruins the dish.

She "possessed a good strong figure, ruddy cheeks, hair that was changing from brown to gray, and a determined face.":

3)   Use quoted material to support your points.

evidence, proof

You still have to make your point

4)   Don’t use too many quotations.  Pick two or three quotations to support your brainstormed points and leave the rest.

5)   Make sure the quoted material is exactly as written in the story.  Use … and [] to make minor grammatical or stylistic changes.

... ellipsis

[] square brackets

6)   Avoid repeating quotations.

"good strong figure"

7)   After quoting material, go on to explain why the quotation is relevant.

You make your own points. You can have make the argument.

8)   Avoid ending paragraphs with quotations.

have to text to refer to

borrowing quotations from text-