Can You Put A Quote In Your Introduction Paragraph?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can you put a quote in your introduction paragraph?

It is usually best not to begin or end your introductory paragraph with a

. You weaken your argument by relying on someone else's words so early on in the paper.

Can I have quotes in my introduction?

The full-sentence introduction to a block quotation helps demonstrate your grasp of the source material, and it adds analytical depth to your essay. But the introduction alone is not enough.

Long almost invariably need to be followed by extended analysis

. Never allow the quotation to do your work for you.

How do you introduce a quote in a introduction?

  1. Smith states, “This book is terrific” (102).
  2. Smith remarks, ” . . .
  3. Smith writes, ” . . .
  4. Smith notes, ” . . .
  5. Smith comments, ” . . .
  6. Smith observes, ” . . .
  7. Smith concludes, ” . . .
  8. Smith reports, ” . . .

Is it OK to start an essay with a quote?

Is starting an essay with a quote bad?


To start with a quote is not wrong

, but you may do better, as onomatomaniak suggested, to “think of an engaging first sentence that makes the reader think you have something interesting to say.”

How do you use a quote in the beginning of an essay?

The first time you use a quotation from a source in an essay,

introduce the author and the work that the quotation is attributed to before you use the actual quotation in the essay

. Later in the essay, you simply need to address the author's last name before using the quotation.

How do you write a quote at the beginning of an essay?

To start an essay with a quote,

introduce the quote by including the name of the author

, such as, “John Keats once said…” When you include the quote, put around it and make sure to put any punctuation inside the quotation marks.

Can you start a college essay with a quote?

In most cases,

quoting other people isn't a good way to start your college essay

. Admissions officers want to hear your thoughts about yourself, and often don't achieve that. Unless a quote truly adds something important to your essay that it otherwise wouldn't have, you probably shouldn't include it.

How do I start my introduction?

It should begin by

providing your reader a general understanding of the overall topic

. The middle of the introduction should narrow down the topic so your reader understands the relevance of the topic and what you plan to accomplish in your paper.

Is a quote a bad hook?


A quotation hook is when a quote is used and explained that has relevance to the topic at hand

. Make sure this quote comes from a credible source. Also, talk about the quote's meaning afterwards to ensure that the reader isn't confused.

What should you never start an essay with?

  • 1) Contractions. …
  • 2) Idioms. …
  • 3-5) “So on,” “etc,” “and so forth“ …
  • 6) Clichés. …
  • 7-11) “Thing,” “stuff,” “good,” “bad,” “big“ …
  • 12) Slang, jargon, teen speak. …
  • 13) Rhetorical questions.

Is it bad to end an essay with a quote?


Sometimes, ending an essay with a quote is better than merely restating your thesis statement

. Citations can be taken from both primary and secondary sources. Good quotes to end an essay might be of your course professor's.

How do you put a quote in a paragraph?


Start the quotation on a new line, with the entire quote indented 1/2 inch from the left margin while maintaining double-spacing

. Your parenthetical citation should come after the closing punctuation mark. When quoting verse, maintain original line breaks. (You should maintain double-spacing throughout your essay.)

How do you start an introduction to a college essay?

  1. Opening Hook. It's important to draw your reader in from the very first sentence. …
  2. Summary of Your Topic, Ideas, or Argument. Your opening paragraph should introduce the subject matter and the points you intend to make. …
  3. Thesis Statement. Your thesis statement comes at the end of your introduction.

How do you put a quote at the beginning of an essay MLA?

Step 1: Introduce the quote


Start with a sentence or two that shows the reader why you are including the quote and how it fits into your argument

. After the introductory sentence, add a colon, and then start the quote on a new line.

What does a good intro paragraph look like?

The introductory paragraph of any paper, long or short, should

start with a sentence that piques the interest of your readers

. In a typical essay, that first sentence leads into two or three more sentences that provide details about your subject or your process. All of these sentences build up to your thesis statement.

What is a good example of an introduction paragraph?

1st Sentence I lead with a quick factoid about comics. 2nd & 3rd These sentences define graphic novels and gives a brief history. This is also how the body of my paper starts. 4rd Sentence This sentence introduces the current issue. See how I gave the history first and now give the current issue? That's flow.

How long is an introduction paragraph?

Make your introductory paragraph brief. Typically, just

three or four sentences

are enough to set the stage for both long and short essays. You can go into supporting information in the body of your essay, so don't tell the audience everything all at once.

Can you start a sentence off with a quote?


Yes, you can start a sentence with a quote

. This happens regularly in written dialogue and informative writing.

What makes a bad introduction paragraph?


The first sentence is boring

The first sentence in your introduction needs to capture your readers and give them a general idea about what your study is about. This means, it needs to be tailored to the readership of the journal you are submitting your paper to.

What are some weak words?

  • “ really,” “very” These words are usually unnecessary and can be cut out. …
  • “ just” …
  • “ that” …
  • “ totally,” “completely,” “absolutely” …
  • “ thing,” “it” …
  • “ there was” …
  • “ as” used as a subordinate conjunction. …
  • “ down” or “up”

What is a good hook sentence?

A strong statement hook is

a sentence that makes an assertive claim about your topic

. It connects to the thesis statement and shows the importance of your essay or paper. A strong statement is a great technique because it doesn't matter if your reader agrees or disagrees with your statement.

How do you introduce a quote in a starter sentence?

Sentence Starters for Introducing a Quote

For example,

the author states, “—.”

For instants, according to the author, “—.” The author writes, “—.” In the article, “name the article,” The author maintains that, “—.”

How do you quote someone said in an essay?


Use double quotation marks (“”) around a direct quote

. A direct quote is a word- for-word report of what someone else said or wrote. You use the exact words and punctuation of the original.

How do you quote text in an essay?

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.

What makes a good introduction?

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

An opening hook to catch the reader's attention. Relevant background information that the reader needs to know. A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

How do you write a college killer essay?

  1. Read All of the Instructions. …
  2. Brainstorm Your College Essay Topic. …
  3. Create Your Outline. …
  4. Hook Your Readers With a Killer Introduction. …
  5. Support Your Ideas With Examples. …
  6. Use Your Voice and Allow Your Personality to Shine. …
  7. Stay Focused on Your Message.

What should you not say in a college essay?

  • Never rehash your academic and extracurricular accomplishments.
  • Never write about a “topic”
  • Never start with a preamble.
  • Never end with a “happily ever after” conclusion.
  • Never pontificate.
  • Never retreat into your thoughts.
  • Never hold back.
  • Never give TMI.

Can you start a speech with a quote?

How do I start my introduction?

It should begin by

providing your reader a general understanding of the overall topic

. The middle of the introduction should narrow down the topic so your reader understands the relevance of the topic and what you plan to accomplish in your paper.

Should you use a quote as a hook?


A quotation hook is when a quote is used and explained that has relevance to the topic at hand

. Make sure this quote comes from a credible source. Also, talk about the quote's meaning afterwards to ensure that the reader isn't confused.

Can I use a quote in my thesis statement?

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.