1. Quote when

• evidence is authoritative and convincing
• quotation is a well-phrased statement
• addressing a controversial point and writer credibility is at stake
• supporting major arguments

2. Don't quote

• minor material that is easily paraphrased
• general or common knowledge
• common quotations or proverbs

3.If there is a possibility of plagiarism, quote

• all direction quotations
• all indirection quotations
• all major ideas not your own
• all facts, statistics, information that is not commonly known

4. Danger of over quoting: no identity to paper--cut and paste

5. Dangers of under quoting: plagiarism or over generalization

Quote Accurately and only what you need:

1.Quote in context, preserving the integrity of the original

2.Omit necessary material using ellipses (. . .) (four . . . . at end of sentence)

Quote Smoothly

1. Your quotation shouldn't draw attention to itself; it should read as a part of your paper

2. The quotation should be clear and grammatically

3. Introduce your quotations smoothly, avoiding the "says" syndrome

Using long quotations

If a quotation continues for more than 4 lines of your typed text, the quotation should begin on a new line, indented 10 spaces ( or two paragraph tabs) on the left margin only, and it should be double spaced. The easiest way to format this indented quotation: select text to be formatted, in "format" in the menu select "paragraph", then "special", then "hanging indent.

Avoid too many long, indented quotations

Link to a list of alternative words for "says" and "said"