Block Quotes: The Indented Overachievers
So, you've decided to dive into the wonderful world of academic writing, huh? Congratulations! You're about to embark on a thrilling journey filled with citations, footnotes, and the ever-daunting task of formatting block quotes. Don't worry, we're here to make this less painful than a root canal.
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| How To Do Block Quotes In Chicago Style |
What's the Big Deal About Block Quotes?
Essentially, a block quote is when you're feeling so inspired by someone else's words that you want to give them the VIP treatment in your paper. Instead of those pesky quotation marks, you indent the whole shebang, like a little textual diva demanding attention.
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
The Nitty Gritty of Block Quotes
- Length is Key: If your quote is five lines or more of prose, or three lines or more of poetry, it's time to break out the indentations.
- Single Spacing: Unlike your regular text, block quotes prefer to keep it simple with single spacing.
- Indentation: Give your quote some personal space by indenting it half an inch from the left margin.
- No Quotation Marks: Block quotes are too cool for school. They ditch the quotation marks and let their content do the talking.
- Citation: Don't forget to give credit where credit is due. You can use a footnote, endnote, or parenthetical citation to point to your source.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Indenting Enough: Your block quote is feeling neglected. Give it the space it deserves!
- Using Quotation Marks: This is a strict no-no. Block quotes are all about independence.
- Forgetting to Cite: Plagiarism is a big no-no. Cite your sources to avoid academic embarrassment.
How to Master the Block Quote
How to know when to use a block quote?
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
- If your quote is five or more lines of prose or three or more lines of poetry, go for the block quote treatment.
How to format a block quote?
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
- Single space the quote.
- Indent the entire quote half an inch from the left margin.
- No quotation marks needed.
How to cite a block quote?
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
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- Use a footnote, endnote, or parenthetical citation at the end of the quote.
How to handle multiple paragraphs in a block quote?
- Indent the first line of each paragraph an additional quarter inch.
How to handle long block quotes?
- If your quote is exceptionally long, consider breaking it up with ellipses (...) to avoid overwhelming your reader.
Remember, while block quotes can be intimidating, they're essential for showcasing important ideas and giving credit to your sources. With a little practice, you'll be quoting like a pro in no time!
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