Chapter3 they say I say

INTRODUCTION

  • A key premise is that effective arguments require integrating others' arguments into your own text, particularly through quoting their exact words.

    • Quoting provides credibility to summaries and supports claims with evidence.

    • Quotations serve as proof, assuring readers that the argument is grounded in established sources.

COMMON QUOTING MISTAKES

  • Many writers make significant errors with quoting, including:

    • Not quoting enough or omitting quotations entirely.

    • Writers may be reluctant to revisit original texts for precise language or believe they can recall ideas from memory.

    • Over-quoting, leading to excessive reliance on others’ words and lacking personal commentary.

    • This could stem from a lack of confidence in their interpretation or understanding of the quoted material.

  • A major problem is assuming that quotations speak for themselves.

    • Writers may insert quotes without context, thinking the meaning is self-evident.

    • The act of quoting is not just about placing quotations but integrating them meaningfully into the text.

STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE QUOTING

1. Choose Quotations Wisely

  • Select quotations that clearly support specific parts of your argument.

    • Avoid using quotes solely to showcase familiarity with an author’s work.

  • Understand that relevance may change during writing and revising processes.

    • Be mindful that earlier relevant quotes might become less appropriate as the argument evolves.

2. Create a Quotation Sandwich

  • Introduce, present, and explain quotations that require context and clarity.

    • Quotation Sandwich Structure:

    • Top slice: Introduction that sets up the quote and identifies the speaker.

    • Bottom slice: Explanation that interprets the quote’s significance and connection to your discussion.

  • Quotations used without context are referred to as “dangling” or “hit-and-run” quotations.

    • Example of a hit-and-run quotation:

    • Joe Garcia writes about technology and prison: “Without more open and frequent internet access, there’s no way we’ll ever truly keep pace with the changing world outside our prison walls.”

    • The student's failure to provide context detracts from the impact of Garcia’s statement, leaving readers unclear about its meaning and relevance.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTEXT

  • Readers need to understand who is speaking and the importance of the quoted material.

    • Proper framing reveals the intent and significance of the quotation in relation to your argument.

    • Avoiding vague introductions like “Orwell asserts an idea that” enhances clarity.

TEMPLATES FOR INTRODUCING QUOTATIONS

  • Utilize specific templates to introduce quotations effectively.

    • Examples include:

    • “X states, ‘Not all steroids should be banned from sports.’”

    • “As the prominent philosopher X puts it, ‘__.’”

    • “According to X, ‘__.’”

    • “X himself writes, ‘__.’”

    • “In her book, , X maintains that ‘__.’”

TEMPLATES FOR EXPLAINING QUOTATIONS

  • Follow major quotations with clear explanations using templates such as:

    • “In X’s view, ‘__.’”

    • “X agrees when she writes, ‘__.’”

    • “X disagrees when he writes, ‘__.’”

    • “X’s point is that ‘__.’”

BALANCING QUOTATIONS AND YOUR OWN VOICE

  • Blend the author’s words with your own, creating a cohesive narrative.

    • Echoing language from the quotation in your own text reinforces its relevance.

    • Example of revision adding context and clarity to a quotation:

    • Original: “Without more open and frequent internet access, there’s no way we’ll ever truly keep pace with the changing world outside our prison walls.”

    • Revised: “Joe Garcia, a staff writer for the San Quentin News, complains in his article that prisoners like him are denied access to technologies necessary for re-entering society.”

KNOWING WHEN TO EXPLAIN

  • Determine how much explanation a quote requires based on complexity and audience familiarity.

    • Complex or jargon-filled quotations need more context; simpler quotes may need less.

    • When uncertain, err on the side of providing extra explanation for clarity.

AVOIDING COMMON INTRODUCTION ERRORS

  • Avoid overly generic introductions such as “A quote by Shakespeare says.”

    • Replace them with clearer, more precise phrasing like “as Shakespeare puts it.”

  • Mastering effective templates allows for smoother integration of quotes, letting writers focus more on conceptual discussions.

EXERCISES

  1. Analyze how journalist Suketu Mehta integrates quotes from Michael Bloomberg in his book.

    • Evaluate the success of integration and framing.

  2. Extract a sentence from Christine Michel Carter’s essay and practice the quotation sandwich method.

  3. Review previous writing to ensure proper quotation integration and framing or revise an existing piece to include effective quotations.