The Learning Hub Block Quotes Writing Handout Series Research Methods

Block quotation is a method of formatting to highlight sections of directly quoted text in your writing. Direct quotes are usually integrated directly into your own text, but when quotes meet certain guidelines, block quotations are used instead. Though rules vary among citation styles, this example focuses on APA and MLA, as they are the most common styles. Length Remember! Block quotations are only used if the text is longer than 40 words (APA) or four lines (MLA). Shorter quotes should be integrated Block quotes should be used directly into your text. sparingly. They are not intended for shorter essays because they The meaning of “four lines” for MLA can be unclear, so if you are take up extra space. Do not use unsure, consult with your instructor about whether a quote is four block quotes just to fill space or lines and if you need to use a block quote. try to reach a certain page length. For maximum impact, Context use them judiciously. Don’t just drop a block quote into your own text without any explanation or context. Just like any other source you are using, always provide context and a lead-in when you use a block quote. Also, just like any other source, provide some follow-up after the quote to tie the information to your own writing.

Punctuation TIP Place a colon at the end of the last line before the block quote. This Use block quotes only when indicates that the quotation should be read seamlessly with your own the author’s original words text. Punctuate the text of the quote exactly as the original source does. cannot be paraphrased or summarized. If you can say it Spacing just as well, paraphrase or summarize instead. Double-space all lines. Do not add an extra space before or after the block quote. Just continue double spacing throughout your text.

Citation

Just like any other source, block quotes still need a citation. Note the placement of the punctuation. Typically, the punctuation would be placed after the citation, but after a block quote, the punctuation is placed first. Quotation Marks

Unlike quotes integrated into your text, block quotes do not need quotation marks. Indentation

Indent all lines of the block quote. For APA, indent one-half inch. For MLA, indent one full inch. Do not indent from the right side margin.

Ask yourself:

Do I need this entire section? Does every word help illustrate my point? If you are using a block quote, make sure you really need the entire section you are using. If you don’t, choose the most important part and integrate it into your own text instead of using a block quote.

Last Edited: 6/12/2017 [email protected] | (217) 206-6503 By: CB, AA BRK 460 | www.uis.edu/thelearninghub #thehub

Punctuation Context Place a colon at the end of Spacing Always provide context the last line before the Double space all lines. and a lead-in when you Indentation block quote. Punctuate Do not add an extra use a block quote. Also, Indent all lines of the text of the quote space before or after provide some follow-up the block quote. exactly as the original the block quote. after the quote to tie This example is source does. the information to your indented one-half own writing. inch for APA style. Scholars have explored the facets of good and evil in parallel characters

in the Harry Potter series with frequent emphasis on the protagonist and antagonist and “absolute” virtues in each. Through exploring the grey areas of morality in other characters, Chevelier (2005) asserts that each main character is acting as an “absolute” by using comparison between Harry and Voldemort and explains:

Harry is constructed as the antithesis of Voldemort and is bound to him Length in numerous ways: the lightning-bolt scar on his forehead is the most Block quotations Quotation Marks are only used if the Unlike quotes obvious, as are Harry’s ability to speak Parseltongue and his wand, text is longer than integrated into 40 words (APA) or your text, block which is an exact counterpart of Voldemort’s. Like Frodo Baggins, Harry four lines (MLA). quotes do not is the reluctant hero who must act as the instrument of absolute good, need quotation marks. even at the risk of his own life, to defeat the instrument of absolute Citation evil. (p. 339) Note the placement of the punctuation. After Though Chevelier (2005) mentions absolutes, he fails to address the potential a block quote, the that Harry might not be absolutely good and Voldemort might not be absolutely punctuation is placed before the citation, evil. not after.

Chevelier, N. (2005). The liberty tree and the Whomping Willow: Political justice, magical science, and Harry Potter. The Lion and the Unicorn, (29)3, 397-415. doi: 10.1353/uni.2005.0041

Last Edited: 6/12/2017 [email protected] | (217) 206-6503 By: CB, AA BRK 460 | www.uis.edu/thelearninghub #thehub