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Writing ■ Integrating Quotations

Quotations, the exact words of other people, especially authorities or experts, can provide an effective level of support in your writing. Choose quotations that reinforce or enhance your ideas about a topic. Use quotation marks to set off exact words of others.

Guidelines for Using Quotations

• Use quotations to lend authority to your writing.
  

  Neuropsychologist Paul Pearsall notes, “Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family. Most of us would give our own life for the survival of a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted.” The return of the extended family helps renew these powerful ties.

• Use quotations that are clear and to the point.
  

  Tim Ferris, author of The 4-Hour Workweek, explains the gained efficiency this way: “Being busy is a form of laziness. Doing less is the path of the productive.” Work tends to fill the time allotted for it, so shortening the time makes work more efficient.