Vancouver
Every time you quote a source , it’s essential to show the reader exactly what purpose the quote serves. A block quote must be introduced in your own words to show how it fits into your argument or analysis.
If the text preceding the block quote is a complete sentence, use a colon to introduce the quote . If the quote is a continuation of the sentence that precedes it, you don’t need to add any extra punctuation .
lawmakers and regulators need to stop pharmaceutical companies from marketing drugs like OxyContin and establish stronger guidelines about how and when doctors can prescribe them. These drugs are often the last resort for people with cancer and other terminal conditions who experience excruciating pain. But they pose a great risk when used to treat the kinds of pain for which there are numerous non-addictive therapies available. (The Editorial Board, 2018)
Block quotes are not enclosed in quotation marks . Instead, they must be formatted to stand out from the rest of the text, signalling to the reader that the words are taken directly from a source. Each citation style has specific formatting rules.
APA and MLA format both require an indent of 0.5 inches on the left side. Block quotes are double spaced, the same as the rest of the document. Some other citation styles also require indentation on the right side, different spacing, or a smaller font.
To format a block quote in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:
If you quote more than one paragraph, indent the first line of the new paragraph as you would in the main text.
Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you’d expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn’t hold with such nonsense.
Mr. Dursley was the director of a firm called Grunnings, which made drills. He was a big, beefy man with hardly any neck, although he did have a very large mustache. Mrs. Dursley was thin and blonde and had nearly twice the usual amount of neck, which came in very useful as she spent so much of her time craning over garden fences, spying on the neighbors. The Dursleys had a small son called Dudley and in their opinion there was no finer boy anywhere. (Rowling 1)
All block quotes must end with a citation that directs the reader to the correct source. How the citation looks depends on the citation style. In most styles, including APA and MLA , the parenthetical citation comes after the period at the end of a block quote.
A paragraph should never end with a block quote. Directly after the quote, you need to comment on it in your own words. Depending on the purpose of the block quote, your comment might involve:
The AI-powered Citation Checker helps you avoid common mistakes such as:
Block quotes should be used when the specific wording or style of the quoted text is essential to your point. How often you use them depends partly on your field of study.
Avoid relying on block quotes from academic sources to explain ideas or make your points for you. In general, quotes should be used as sparingly as possible, as your own voice should be dominant. When you use another author’s ideas or refer to previous research, it’s often better to integrate the source by paraphrasing .
If you want to know more about ChatGPT, AI tools , citation , and plagiarism , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
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If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
Gahan, C. (2023, May 31). How to Block Quote | Length, Format and Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved July 5, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/block-quote/
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By Divya Bhansali
Columbia University; Biomedical Engineering PhD candidate
5 minute read
The introduction of a research paper serves as the gateway to your work. It's where you engage your readers and provide them with a clear understanding of your research topic. Writing the introduction is the first step in writing a research paper, from the abstract to the conclusion. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deeper into the essential elements of an effective introduction for a high school-level research paper. We'll not only discuss the practical steps but also provide you with a deeper understanding of why introductions are crucial in academic writing.
Before we dive into the specifics of writing an introduction, it's important to recognize the fundamental role introductions play in academic writing. Think of the introduction as your paper's opening act. Just as a captivating movie or book beginning draws you in, a well-constructed research paper introduction grabs your reader's attention, sets the stage for what's to come, and provides context for your research.
Here’s an example of a brief and well-crafted research paper introduction:
Polygence alumn Nyrah wrote: “During the early 1800s, both dissection and experimentation were used as a mechanism to exploit African-American bodies. Yet it still happens today, we can see this through the lens of African American women who experience racism pre- and post-partum. In this paper, the reader will learn about how past history has influenced current healthcare and explore possible solutions to it.” For a more extensive introduction, check out Polygence alumn Lily ’s paper!
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The process of writing an effective introduction begins long before you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. It commences with a deep understanding of your research topic. Take the time to immerse yourself in the subject matter. Read widely, consult authoritative sources, and jot down key concepts, terms, and facts that are central to your research. The better you understand your topic, the more confidently you can introduce it to your readers.
Now, let's discuss the hook, which is the critical opening element of your introduction. The primary purpose of the hook is to captivate your reader's interest. Imagine your reader as someone who has just picked up your paper, and it's your job to make sure they want to keep reading. Here are some effective hooks to consider:
Start with a Shocking Fact: Human beings are naturally drawn to the unexpected. Begin with a surprising statistic or piece of information that relates to your research.
Use a Relevant Quote: Quotes from experts, historical figures, or renowned scholars can lend authority and interest to your introduction.
Ask a Thought-Provoking Question: Engage your reader's curiosity by posing a question that invites them to contemplate the topic.
Share an Anecdote: Narrate a brief, relevant story or example that illustrates the importance of your research in a real-world context.
Following the hook, you should provide context for your research paper topic. This is where you set the stage by explaining the significance of the subject matter. Discuss any current events, societal issues, or trends that relate to your topic. Explain why this research matters, not just to you, but to the broader world. By offering context, you demonstrate the relevance and importance of your work.
Do you know the fundamentals of how to write a thesis statement for a research paper? The heart of your introduction lies in your research question or thesis statement. This is where you clearly and concisely express the main argument or focus of your paper. Here are some important considerations:
Specificity : Ensure that your thesis statement is specific and focused. It should address a particular aspect of your research paper topic, not a broad generalization.
Debatable : A strong thesis statement should present a point of view that can be argued or discussed. It should not be a simple fact.
Placement : Your thesis statement should appear near the end of your introduction section. This strategic placement builds anticipation and prepares your reader for the depth of analysis to come.
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With your thesis statement in place, briefly outline how you intend to address your research question or support your thesis. Mention the methods or sources you will use to gather information and evidence. If you're conducting experiments, surveys, or interviews, briefly describe these methods. If your research relies on academic sources, case studies, or data analysis, mention that too. This part of the introduction section provides your reader with insight into your research process and methodology.
Why does your research matter? What potential impact can it have? These are crucial questions to address in your introduction paragraph. Explain the significance of your research by highlighting its contribution to the field or the broader subject matter. If your work has real-world implications or applications, briefly touch on them. Convince your reader that your research is academically valuable and has practical relevance.
As you wrap up your introduction paragraph, give your reader a roadmap of what to expect in the rest of your scientific research paper. Mention the main sections or points you'll be covering, and some of your research questions. For instance, if your paper has three main sections, provide a brief introduction to each of them. This helps your reader navigate your paper more easily and understand how the pieces fit together to support your thesis.
While it's important to provide all the necessary information, remember to keep your introduction concise. Avoid unnecessary details and stay focused on the key elements mentioned above. A lengthy introduction may overwhelm your reader and dilute the impact of your opening.
In conclusion, your research paper's introduction is your opportunity to engage your readers and set the stage for a well-structured and coherent piece of academic work. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can create an introduction that captivates your audience and provides a strong foundation for the rest of your scientific research paper. Remember that practice and revision are crucial to perfecting your introductions, so be encouraged if your first draft doesn't hit the mark. Good luck with your writing!
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Citing a quote in APA Style. To cite a direct quote in APA, you must include the author's last name, the year, and a page number, all separated by commas. If the quote appears on a single page, use "p."; if it spans a page range, use "pp.". An APA in-text citation can be parenthetical or narrative.
1. Know where to place commas and periods. When you're placing a quote inside your essay, you'll likely have to use a comma or period at the end. If you're quoting without giving a citation (because your entire essay is about a single work, for example) commas and periods go inside the quotations marks.
Important guidelines. When integrating a source into your paper, remember to use these three important components: Introductory phrase to the source material: mention the author, date, or any other relevant information when introducing a quote or paraphrase. Source material: a direct quote, paraphrase, or summary with proper citation.
Citing a quote in APA Style. To cite a direct quote in APA, you must include the author's last name, the year, and a page number, all separated by commas. If the quote appears on a single page, use 'p.'; if it spans a page range, use 'pp.'. An APA in-text citation can be parenthetical or narrative.
when an author has said something memorably or succinctly, or. when you want to respond to exact wording (e.g., something someone said). Instructors, programs, editors, and publishers may establish limits on the use of direct quotations. Consult your instructor or editor if you are concerned that you may have too much quoted material in your paper.
Below are four guidelines for setting up and following up quotations. In illustrating these four steps, we'll use as our example, Franklin Roosevelt's famous quotation, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.". 1. Provide context for each quotation. Do not rely on quotations to tell your story for you.
Learn everything about how to quote in under 5 minutes! This video will cover the following topics about quoting:Intro - 0:001. 3 basic principles of quoting...
Put quotation marks at the beginning and end of the copied text. Add an in-text citation at the end of the quoted text (outside the quotation mark). Write (in your own words) to give context or introduce the quoted text. Add the sentence with your own words, the quote, and the in-text citation to your paper.
When you cite a direct quote in MLA, the parenthetical format is (author's last name page number) or (Smith 7). The narrative format includes the author's name in the sentence, with the page number after the quote in parentheses. There is no punctuation within a set of parentheses. As in APA style, the final punctuation is placed after the ...
Quotes must be word for word, enclosed in between " ", and must be credited to the original author. Paraphrase. Paraphrasing involves taking the source material and putting it into your own words. The paraphrased portion should be about the same length as the original, and should maintain the original source's meaning, as well as all of the ...
At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays, research papers, and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises). Add a citation whenever you quote, paraphrase, or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.
MLA (Modern Language Association) style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. This resource, updated to reflect the MLA Handbook (8th ed.), offers examples for the general format of MLA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the Works Cited page.
A quotation refers to the precise replication of words or phrases from another source, embedded within one's own writing or speech. To distinguish these directly borrowed elements from original content, writers use quotation marks. Additionally, they provide citations or footnotes to trace back to the original source, maintaining the ...
With individualized attention and ongoing support, we help you write a new story for the future where you play the starring role. When you quote another writer's words, it's best to introduce or contextualize the quote. Don't forget to include author's last name and page number (MLA) or author, date, and page number (APA) in your citation.
3. To open a paper with a historical or political quote. Sometimes, quotes by historical or political figures can be useful in setting up the central issue of a paper. This use of quotes is more common in review articles and book chapters than in primary research articles. "Sigmund Freud conceived the first model of the ideal therapist stance ...
Maintain Spacing: Keep the spacing consistent with the original text. Cite Source: Include the author's name and publication date either before or after the block quote. Example: Markdown. Smith (2020) highlighted the importance of proper quoting: Quoting sources properly enhances the credibility of your research.
This post offers 7 tips for using evidence effectively. 1. Decide on the best quotes. As you're reading through the research that you've gathered for your paper, take note of the quotes that you might like to integrate into your work. From there, you'll want to decide which are the best and most useful, since you'll likely have more material ...
Yes, you can leave out words you deem unnecessary in a quotation, but you can't take out words that will change its meaning. For example, if the quotation is "This movie is wonderful drivel," you can't quote it as "This movie is wonderful . . ." and leave out the word "drivel," since it changes the meaning of the quotation.
Integrating quotes into the narrative structure of your sentence, like the last example, offers two advantages to the writer. First, it interprets the quote for the reader and therefore exerts strong rhetorical control over the quote's meaning. Second, it offers variety and style.
At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays, research papers, and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises). Add a citation whenever you quote, paraphrase, or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.
Do not indent at the start of the quote block. • Start quotes on the next line, ½ inch from the left margin of the paper. • Quotes must be double spaced like the rest of the paper. • Only use quotations when quotation marks are a part of the source. • Include in-text citations next to the blockquote.
Ethical considerations when quoting participants. When quoting research participants, abide by any ethical agreements regarding confidentiality and/or anonymity agreed to between you and your participants during the consent or assent process. Take care to obtain and respect participants' consent to have their information included in your report.
Grammar Checker to make sure your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are correct; Paraphraser to understand ideas you read in your research and improve the fluency of your writing; Summarizer to compose a potential thesis statement and concluding sentences for paragraphs and sections; QuillBot Flow to work on your research paper from start to finish; Writing a research paper requires a lot of ...
Some other citation styles also require indentation on the right side, different spacing, or a smaller font. To format a block quote in Microsoft Word, follow these steps: Hit Enter at the beginning and end of the quote. Highlight the quote and select the Layout menu. On the Indent tab, change the left indent to 0.5″.
The introduction of a research paper serves as the gateway to your work. It's where you engage your readers and provide them with a clear understanding of your research topic. Writing the introduction is the first step in writing a research paper, from the abstract to the conclusion. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deeper into the ...
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