Quote Format

(for citation help, see MLA 9th: Citations)

Quotes

• INTRODUCE: Always introduce a quote before you put it in the paper.
• oA quote should never be its own sentence.

○ A quote should never be its own sentence.

• ANALYZE: Always follow a quote with why it is important to your argument.
• oUnless obvious, never let a source go unexplained.
• oThis can also help you expand your paper if it feels "too short."

NO:

This paragraph will address ocean pollution and political cooperation. “Without a worldwide green initiative, plastics will continue to pollute the ocean more and more” (Yang 4). Fish populations in the Pacific have been damaged by pollution...

YES:

In regard to ocean pollution and the extent of plastic usage, aquatic ecosystems are in a crisis. International groups are not moving quickly enough to reduce plastic waste, and most nations do not have clean waterways. Unfortunately, one author argues, “Without a worldwide green initiative, plastics will continue to pollute the ocean more and more” (Yang 4). Policies and international cooperation are essential to reduce plastic usage. Nations must urgently begin investing in ocean-cleaning solutions that will reduce the amount of microplastics in the water. Sadly, however, these microplastics are already damaging fish populations in the Pacific...