How do you properly implement a quote in an essay? (1st sentence, introduction) - Discussion Forum

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How do you properly implement a quote in an essay? (1st sentence, introduction)

2005-10-13, 4:41 PM #1

KnobZ

On DoorZ

Posts: 465

1) "Blah quote." (Begin actual essay)

2) "Blah quote." - Name (Begin actual essay)

3) "Blah quote." - Name, profession (Begin actual essay)

4)------------------>"Blah quote." (centered)

(Begin actual essay)

5)------------------>"Blah quote." (centered)
---------------------->Name, Profession

(Begin actual essay)

etc. etc.

I'm not entirely sure.

2005-10-13, 4:44 PM #2

Ric_Olie

Senior calculadora

Posts: 3,198

I'm not sure what guidlines you need to follow (MLA etc.), but the standard way I've always been told to do is:

Name, Profession once said, "Blah, quote"

Marsz, marsz, Dąbrowski,
Z ziemi włoskiej do Polski,
Za twoim przewodem
Złączym się z narodem.

2005-10-13, 5:37 PM #3

Bobbert

The Super-Spy That Wasn't

Posts: 3,248

If it is the very first thing in your essay you should just start in on it. Then your next sentence should include who said it and give the reson for the quote's relevance.

"Flowers and a landscape were the only attractions here. And so, as there was no good reason for coming, nobody came."

2005-10-13, 5:56 PM #4

herb

a necessary change

Posts: 1,435

Are you required to use that method of starting your essay? It is often overused, and at least on AP English Language exams, it is marked down in points for being a very cliche opening method.

2005-10-13, 6:16 PM #5

JDKNITE188

C is for cookie
and cookie is for me

Posts: 2,425

Originally posted by Ric_Olie:

Name, Profession once said, "Blah, quote"

Quotes are great things to start with in an essay. Give 'em a reference to something beyond your paper and clue 'em in to what you are going to present implicitly.

2005-10-13, 6:20 PM #6

ECHOMAN

"Has it won yet?"

Posts: 17,215

It has to be one hell of a quote to start off an essay.

SnailIracing:n(500tpostshpereline)pants
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2005-10-13, 6:32 PM #7

Avenger

Positive!

Posts: 19,146

Yeah, otherwise just paraphrase it.

Pissed Off?

2005-10-13, 7:25 PM #8

ECHOMAN

"Has it won yet?"

Posts: 17,215

Just a tip that I learned (sorry if this derails the thread)

When you use a quote in certain essays, it usually means that what is said in this quote can't be described better in any other words. Thus, you have to decide if the pressence of quotes will or will not sacrifice your "voice" in your essay. A strong voice will make a strong essay. If you include a quote in your opening, you run a great risk of loosing your sense of voice right away. I mean, you are starting your whole writing piece with the voice of another person, the opening needs to grab the reader to your style of writing, ideas and thoughts.

SnailIracing:n(500tpostshpereline)pants
-----------------------------@%