Quoting in Chicago Style: A Painless Guide
So, you’re writing a paper and you want to sound smart by quoting people. Good for you! Quoting can add depth, credibility, and a touch of intellectual flair to your work. But let's be real, figuring out how to do it in Chicago style can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's cube while blindfolded. Fear not, my friend, because I'm here to guide you through this maze of footnotes and bibliographies.
How Do You Quote In Chicago Style |
Short Quotes: Keep it Simple
For quotes that are four lines or less, it's pretty straightforward. Just plop that bad boy into your text, surround it with those fancy quotation marks, and throw in a little footnote or parenthetical citation to give credit where credit is due. It's like adding a sprinkle of academic gold dust.
Example:
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
As Shakespeare famously said, "To be, or not to be: that is the question" (Shakespeare 1.2.155).
Long Quotes: Indent and Relax
If your quote is longer than four lines, it's time to give it some space. Indent the whole thing, single-space it (yes, you heard me right), and skip a line before and after. No need for those pesky quotation marks; the indentation does the talking. And don't forget that footnote or parenthetical citation at the end.
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
Example:
To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous
fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing, end them? To die: to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish'd. (Shakespeare 1.2.155-163) Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Footnotes or Parenthetical Citations? Choose Your Weapon
Now, you've got two main options for citing your sources: footnotes or parenthetical citations. Footnotes are those little numbers at the bottom of the page that lead to a glorious explanation of your source. Parenthetical citations are those sneaky little guys that hide in parentheses within your text. Choose your poison based on your professor's preferences or personal style.
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
Don't Forget the Bibliography
Once you're done dazzling everyone with your quotes, it's time to give a shoutout to all the brilliant minds you borrowed from. That's where the bibliography comes in. It's basically a fancy party guest list for your sources.
And remember, consistency is key. Pick a style (footnotes or parenthetical citations) and stick with it. Mixing and matching is like wearing socks with sandals – just don't do it.
How to... Chicago Style FAQs
- How to format a short quote? Surround it with quotation marks and include a footnote or parenthetical citation.
- How to format a long quote? Indent it, single-space it, and add a footnote or parenthetical citation at the end.
- How to choose between footnotes and parenthetical citations? Check your professor's guidelines or pick your favorite.
- How to create a bibliography? List all your sources in alphabetical order according to Chicago style guidelines.
- How to avoid plagiarism? Cite your sources properly and use quotation marks for direct quotes.
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