Block Quoting: The Indented Odyssey
So, you've decided to embark on the epic journey of writing a paper in Chicago style, huh? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into the murky waters of block quoting. It’s like trying to herd cats – easy to understand in theory, but a real pain in the neck in practice.
What is a Block Quote, Anyway?
Let's start with the basics. A block quote is basically a quote that's so long and impressive (or so you think) that it deserves its own little VIP section in your paper. It's like the celebrity guest at your party – you give it special treatment, and everyone's supposed to be impressed.
When to Use a Block Quote
Now, you might be tempted to block quote everything from Shakespeare to your grandma’s recipe, but let's be real. Block quotes should be used sparingly. The general rule of thumb is that if your quote is more than four lines long, it's block quote territory. But remember, just because you think it's profound doesn't mean it needs to be a block quote.
How to Format a Block Quote
Okay, so you’ve decided your quote is worthy of block quote status. Congratulations! Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of formatting.
- Indent: Indent the entire block quote half an inch from the left margin. It’s like giving your quote a little personal space.
- Single Space: Yes, you read that right. Single space your block quote. It's a minimalist approach that says, "I'm too important to be double spaced."
- No Quotation Marks: Ditch those pesky quotation marks. Your block quote is already feeling special enough.
- Citation: Don’t forget to cite your source. You can use a footnote, endnote, or parenthetical citation.
Common Block Quote Mistakes
Let's avoid some common pitfalls.
- Overusing Block Quotes: Remember, less is more. Don't turn your paper into a giant block of text.
- Forgetting to Indent: This is a rookie mistake. Indentation is like the punctuation of block quotes.
- Using Quotation Marks: We’ve already covered this, but it’s worth repeating. No quotation marks!
How To... Block Quote Like a Pro
- How to decide if a quote needs to be blocked: If it's more than four lines, it's a strong candidate.
- How to format a block quote: Indent half an inch, single space, no quotation marks, cite your source.
- How to avoid overusing block quotes: Be selective and consider paraphrasing instead.
- How to cite a block quote: Use a footnote, endnote, or parenthetical citation.
- How to make your block quote look less intimidating: Break it up with some analysis or commentary.
Remember, block quoting is just one tool in your writing arsenal. Use it wisely and your papers will be the envy of your classmates. Happy quoting!
