Block Party: Indenting Your Way to Academic Glory
So, you've got this epic quote. Like, really epic. It's longer than your attention span, and you're staring at it like it's a particularly stubborn piece of broccoli. Don't worry, friend, you're not alone. Welcome to the wonderful world of Chicago Style block quotes.
When to Break Out the Indentation
Let's get one thing straight: not every long quote needs a block party. If your quote is less than five lines, you can keep it in the flow of your text, like a normal, well-behaved quote. But if it's five lines or more, it's time to give it some space. We're talking about proper indentation here, people, not just shoving it in a corner and hoping no one notices.
The Block Quote Bash
So, you've decided your quote needs a block party. Here's how to throw one it'll remember:
- Indent: Yes, that's the whole point. Indent the entire quote half an inch from the left margin. It's like giving your quote a VIP area.
- Single Space: Your guests (words) should be feeling cozy, not cramped. Single space the block quote.
- No Quotation Marks: This isn't a casual get-together. It's a formal event. Ditch the quotation marks.
- Citation: Don't forget to introduce your quote with a colon or comma, and then cite it properly at the end.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Let's be real, even the best party planners make mistakes. Here are a few common blunders to avoid:
- Forgetting to Indent: This is like inviting guests but not giving them a place to sit. Basic, but crucial.
- Using Quotation Marks: We've already established this is a formal event. No casual quotes allowed.
- Messing Up the Citation: A good party ends with a proper goodbye. Cite your source correctly.
How to Handle Multiple Paragraphs
Okay, so your quote is not only long, but it's also got multiple paragraphs. Don't panic! Just keep indenting each new paragraph. It's like everyone moving to the dance floor when the DJ drops a banger.
FAQs: Block Quote Edition
How to know when to use a block quote?
If your quote is five lines or longer, it's block quote time!
How to indent a block quote?
Indent the entire block quote half an inch from the left margin.
How to cite a block quote in Chicago style?
Introduce the quote with a colon or comma, and then cite it at the end using the author-date format.
How to format a block quote with multiple paragraphs?
Indent each new paragraph within the block quote.
How to avoid common block quote mistakes?
Remember to indent, don't use quotation marks, and cite correctly.