When you are assigned a paper that predetermines the usage of quotes, it is not all so simple as it seems. Many students make one simple mistake – they use them too much. They think of it as a good way to provide arguments, evidence, and facts. Yet, it only makes your paper hard to read. Another pitfall linked to using the quotes in the essay – the right length of the quote. One student may input a very short quote that does not bring any value, while another one adds a very long quote that takes most of the set word count. This article will deal with the main rules regarding the addition of quotations and their required length to meet the academic style.
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Why Use Quotes and How?
A quote or quotation is an academic literary tool for papers that act as a supporter of arguments. They should be backed up by explanations, the way it does not seem that you add a quote just to add a quote. For instance, if you have an essay of 1,500 words, you can use 2 quotes, and it will be pretty enough.
The main idea of writing an essay is to deliver your understanding of the actual topic. When you add 5 and more quotes, you just deprive a reader of a full understanding of your understanding. It seems like a crowded room where you cannot find a necessary person. You should add a quote in the next events:
- When you have a great passage for, adding it to show some researched evidence;
- You want to confirm the variety of your research, essay;
- You want to argue with one’s position regarding the topic or compare it to your vision.
Taking into consideration modern academic requirements, a college seeks more summary rather than any quotations. For instance, a professor wants to see how to interpret one’s statements and what you think of them, while a simple quotation looks as if you just add it to avoid explanations. Now, how to use the quotes without the help of an essay writing company?
#1 Do Your Best to Avoid Long Quotations
The best expert tip is to avoid quotations that are longer than one line. The ideal variant is a quote consisting of 4 words. Once longer quotes act as red flags for professors, even if they are very beautiful. Note, the perfect paragraph formula stands for 6 sentences, so a quote just takes ⅙ of your paragraph. Such space gives you freedom in speaking about your own ideas and considerations on the topic.
Then, long quotes are hated because they may be used just to reach the word count. Remember that professors are smarter than you, and they can easily spot such tricky intentions.
#2 Don’t Use Quotes to Start or End a Sentence, Paragraph
Another rule regarding the use of quotes is about their roles. In simple terms, if you use a quote at the start of the sentence, or at the end to complete the paragraph, it seems that you are passive. It is like that added quotation is used to replace your own research or analysis rather than supporting it. If you still want to place it in the beginning, you should add your own writing words to show that you have an active voice in the research. The same concerns the end of the paragraph. Do always finish the paragraph with your analysis or a final word.
#3 Explain Every Quote
It was partially hinted at above, however, once again – match every quote with examples and explanations. They should be added to the analysis and provide a reader with your own thoughts, and arguments.
#4 Know the Number of Necessary Quotes
There is a simple academic rule regarding the required number of quotes in essays. Use 1 quote for every 5 paragraphs. One paragraph usually stands for 150 words, so a quote can appear every 750 words. Other calculations according to a professional and reliable essay writing service look as follows:
- 2 quotes for a 1500-word paper;
- 3 quotes for a 2000-word paper;
- 4 quotes for a 3000-word paper.
No need to use more, even if they are all good for backing up your arguments. On some occasions, you can also speak to your professor about adding more, but you are most likely to be rejected, but insisted on providing more of your own thoughts.
#5 Know How to Cite Quotations
Based on essay services, another pitfall with quotations is that students forget about the importance of citing. First, refer to your requirements in terms of citation formats. Every reference format needs you to input a page number with Harvard, APA, MLA among other formats.
#6 Don’t Italicize
Why do you tend to italicize quotes? Most probably, one student did it, and others thought of it as a good idea. Please forget about that, it is a huge mistake. Your professor will anyway identify your quote if you cited it properly without any extra decorations.
#7 Avoid Quotes Inside Quotes
Last but not least tip, try to avoid quotes inside of quotes. Such quotations and sentences seem over-complicated. When reading it, a professor may lose the connection or forget about the whole logic of the paragraph. On some occasions, there might be exclusions, however, they should be discussed with your professor only. Another reason for not adding such quotes is that they become longer than 4 words (ideal size), so it already violates basic requirements.
Quotes are not so hard to master, especially when you write simple essays not dissertations. For extra help, you can refer to companies which help with essay writing online. Professional academic writing services are parties that help students manage the hardest assignments. For instance, one or another paper writing service may provide you with guidance on quotations, and prepare a perfect citation. Such services stand for affordability, so no worries about throwing money down the drain.
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