SYN: Lesson - Integrating and Embedding Quotes

A set of blocks is built up with each piece fitting properly in place.Integrating and Embedding Quotes

You’ve been learning about how sources can improve your own arguments; now it is time to look at specific ways to bring those sources into your own writing. Most scholarly writing requires source quotes. In fact, you’ll need to use quotes (in addition to paraphrases) in much of your own writing within this course – you’ve probably used quotes in some of your essays, as a matter of fact.

Of course, source quotes must be embedded, or integrated, into your own writing fluidly. You can’t let a quote stand on its own in a separate sentence – you must combine it with a sentence that you have written. See below to learn more about how to accomplish this in your writing.

Integrating Quotes - Presentation

The following presentation demonstrates the Sandwich method. Look through the presentation and take notes.

Download a Printable Version of the Integrating Quotes Presentation Links to an external site..

MLA Citation Considerations

Remember that you will need to also cite the source when using a quote.

Let's review some of the fundamental MLA rules for in-text citation from the Writer’s Workshop 1 module. Each example of proper citation is followed by an explanation of the rule.

  • (Smith 26)
    • When you quote or paraphrase a source with one author, use parenthetical citation that includes the author’s last name and page number. If no page number is available, just use the author’s last name.
  • (Smith and Franklin 26)
    • When you quote or paraphrase a source with two authors, use parenthetical citation that includes both authors' last names and the page number.
  • (Smith et al. 26)
    • When you quote or paraphrase a source with more than two authors, use parenthetical citation that includes the first author’s last name, followed by “et al.” and the page number.
  • ("A New Study Reveals Reading Levels" 26)
    • When you quote or paraphrase a source without an author, use parenthetical citation that includes the title of the article or reference and the page number.
  • The New York Times
    • The titles of ‘container works’ such as magazines, journals, and newspapers should be italicized.
    • Additional Example:
      • Journal of Scientific Research
  • "A New Study Reveals Reading Levels"
    • The titles of articles should be placed inside quotation marks.

Practice Activity

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