Quotation

Definition

A quotation is a repetition of someone else's statement or thoughts, often used to lend authority, support, or clarity to a piece of writing. In blending factual information with literary techniques, quotations serve as a bridge that connects the credibility of factual content with the emotional resonance of narrative elements, enhancing the overall depth of the writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quotations can be used to emphasize key points and provide evidence in both creative and academic writing.
2. When incorporating quotations, it's essential to maintain their original context and meaning to avoid misrepresentation.
3. Quotations can be framed with an introduction or follow-up explanation to enhance their relevance and connection to the surrounding text.
4. Using quotations effectively involves blending them seamlessly with your own voice, making them feel like a natural part of your narrative.
5. Overusing quotations can detract from your original voice; balance is crucial to maintain a unique perspective while still supporting your ideas.

Review Questions

• How do quotations enhance the credibility and emotional appeal of a narrative?
  • Quotations enhance credibility by providing authoritative voices that support the claims made within the narrative. They bring real-world perspectives into the writing, grounding it in factual context. Additionally, when quotations are used effectively, they can evoke emotions and resonate with readers, making the overall piece more engaging and impactful.
• Discuss how the placement and integration of a quotation can affect its impact on a reader's understanding.
  • The placement of a quotation is crucial; if positioned correctly, it can underscore an important point or theme within the text. Integrating quotations smoothly into your own writing helps maintain flow and coherence. When done well, this integration allows readers to see the connection between the quotation and your ideas, enhancing their understanding and creating a more immersive reading experience.
• Evaluate the challenges writers face when incorporating quotations into their work and propose strategies to address these issues.
  • Writers often struggle with ensuring that quotations maintain their original meaning while fitting into their narrative voice. There’s also the challenge of over-reliance on quotations, which can overshadow original thoughts. To address these issues, writers should practice paraphrasing to reinforce understanding before quoting directly. Additionally, framing quotations with contextual information can clarify their relevance and help maintain balance between borrowed material and original content.

Related terms

paraphrase: A restatement of someone else's ideas or text in your own words, maintaining the original meaning while altering the wording.

citation: A reference to a source from which information or ideas are drawn, usually including details such as the author, title, and publication date.

epigraph: A quotation or saying at the beginning of a literary work, often used to set the tone or provide context for the themes explored in the text.