One view is that quotations should
not occupy more than 20 per cent of your paper
. After all, the paper should carry your signature and the focus should be on your understanding of the subject matter. If you blindly rely on quotes, your own views will get lost.
What percentage of a paper can be direct quotes?
Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final [research] paper. Probably only about
10% of your final manuscript
should appear as directly quoted matter.
Can you quote too much in a research paper?
If you include too much quotation in your essay,
you will crowd out your own ideas
. Consider quoting a passage from one of your sources if any of the following conditions holds: The language of the passage is particularly elegant or powerful or memorable.
What is the maximum amount of your essay that should be directly quoted?
Jun 27, 2019 21465.
There are no official limits to quotation length
, though any quotations that are more than four lines should be formatted as a separate block quote. However, it is generally better to paraphrase the sources you cite rather than use direct quotations.
How many sentences can a quote be?
There is no absolute rule
as to what constitutes a “lengthy quote” – some teachers say a quote is lengthy if it exceeds four or five typed lines; others, if it exceeds forty words or four sentences. The point is: once a quote becomes unusually lengthy it is formatted as a block quote.
Can you use too many quotes?
Don't just dump quoted information into your paragraph. Blend the words of the author with your own words.
Don't use too many direct quotes in your writing
(e.g. 2-3 long quotes and 4-5 short quotes is enough in a 2000 word essay).
How do you properly cite a quote?
In-text citations include
the last name of the author followed by a page number enclosed in parentheses
. “Here's a direct quote” (Smith 8). If the author's name is not given, then use the first word or words of the title. Follow the same formatting that was used in the Works Cited list, such as quotation marks.
Can I quote 2 sentences?
For a single sentence of quotation, enclose only the speaker's words in double quotation marks. … For a direct quotation of two or more sentences with the attribution at the beginning of the first sentence,
put a colon
, not a comma, after the attribution and place the quotation in double quotation marks.
How do you put multiple quotes in one sentence?
For direct quotations of more than one paragraph,
place open quotation marks at the start of each new paragraph
. Place close quotation marks at the end of only the last paragraph.
How long is a long quote?
A long quotation contains
more than four lines of
quoted material.
How much is too many quotes?
How much is too much? Regardless of their value,
be careful when using quotations
. Too many quotes give you less scope to highlight your own views and can make the paper less personal. A common tactic is using more quotes to reach the word limit, but professors may penalize students who quote excessively.
Can you shorten a quote?
You can shorten quotes
by removing words from the middle of the quote
and adding ellipses to indicate that you have removed some words. Shortening quotes helps the reader focus on the key information. You can remove words that are redundant or irrelevant to the point you are making.
Can you alter a quote?
When writers insert or alter words in a direct quotation,
square brackets
—[ ]—are placed around the change. The brackets, always used in pairs, enclose words intended to clarify meaning, provide a brief explanation, or to help integrate the quote into the writer's sentence.
What should I Caption a cute picture?
- “If you were looking for a sign, here it is.”
- “Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.”
- “Just because you're awake doesn't mean you should stop dreaming.”
- “Be yourself, there's no one better.”
- “Stress less and enjoy the best.”
- “Look for the magic in every moment.”
