What Must Writers Do When Using Language Taken Directly From An Outside Source? Select Three Choices.A. Use Quotation Marks Around The Author's Words.B. Cite The Source After The Direct Quotation Is Used.C. Explain How The Quotation Supports Their
What Must Writers Do When Using Language Taken Directly from an Outside Source?
When writing, it's not uncommon for authors to incorporate language taken directly from an outside source, such as a quote from a famous person, a phrase from a song, or a passage from a book. However, using language from an outside source without proper citation can be considered plagiarism, which is a serious academic offense. In this article, we'll explore the three options for writers when using language taken directly from an outside source.
Option A: Use Quotation Marks Around the Author's Words
Using quotation marks around the author's words is a common practice when incorporating direct quotes into a piece of writing. This method is often used in academic writing, journalism, and literature. When using quotation marks, it's essential to include the author's name and the title of the work in the citation. For example:
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," said Franklin D. Roosevelt in his first inaugural address. (Roosevelt, 1933)
In this example, the quotation marks are used to set off the direct quote from the rest of the text. The citation includes the author's name (Roosevelt) and the title of the work (first inaugural address), along with the year of publication (1933).
Option B: Cite the Source After the Direct Quotation is Used
Citing the source after the direct quotation is used is another way to properly attribute the language taken from an outside source. This method is often used in academic writing, particularly in the humanities. When citing the source after the direct quotation, it's essential to include the author's name, the title of the work, and the page number (if applicable). For example:
The concept of love is complex and multifaceted. As the poet Maya Angelou once said, "Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." (Angelou, 1969, p. 12)
In this example, the direct quote is followed by the citation, which includes the author's name (Angelou), the title of the work (no specific title is mentioned, but the year of publication is given), and the page number (p. 12).
Option C: Explain How the Quotation Supports Their Argument
Explain how the quotation supports their argument is a crucial step in using language taken directly from an outside source. This method is often used in academic writing, particularly in the social sciences and humanities. When explaining how the quotation supports their argument, it's essential to provide context and analysis of the quote. For example:
The concept of love is complex and multifaceted. As the poet Maya Angelou once said, "Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." This quote highlights the idea that love is a powerful force that can overcome obstacles and bring people together. In the context of the poem, Angelou is suggesting that love is a universal language that can transcend cultural and social boundaries. This idea is particularly relevant in today's society, where love and relationships are increasingly complex and nuanced.
In this example, the direct quote is followed by an explanation of how it supports the argument. The author provides context and analysis of the quote, highlighting the idea that love is a powerful force that can overcome obstacles and bring people together.
Best Practices for Using Language Taken Directly from an Outside Source
When using language taken directly from an outside source, it's essential to follow best practices to avoid plagiarism and ensure proper citation. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Always use quotation marks around direct quotes, unless the quote is a well-known phrase or a title.
- Include the author's name and the title of the work in the citation.
- Provide context and analysis of the quote to explain how it supports the argument.
- Use a consistent citation style throughout the piece of writing.
- Avoid paraphrasing or summarizing the quote without proper citation.
Conclusion
Using language taken directly from an outside source can be a powerful way to add depth and complexity to a piece of writing. However, it's essential to follow best practices to avoid plagiarism and ensure proper citation. By using quotation marks, citing the source, and explaining how the quotation supports the argument, writers can effectively incorporate language from outside sources into their writing. Remember to always use a consistent citation style and provide context and analysis of the quote to ensure that the language taken from an outside source is properly attributed and supports the argument.
References
Angelou, M. (1969). I know why the caged bird sings. Random House.
Roosevelt, F. D. (1933). First inaugural address. The American Presidency Project.
Additional Resources
- MLA Handbook (8th ed.). (2016). Modern Language Association of America.
- Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.). (2017). University of Chicago Press.
- APA Publication Manual (7th ed.). (2020). American Psychological Association.
Q&A: Using Language Taken Directly from an Outside Source
In our previous article, we explored the three options for writers when using language taken directly from an outside source. We also discussed best practices for using language taken directly from an outside source to avoid plagiarism and ensure proper citation. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about using language taken directly from an outside source.
Q: What is plagiarism, and how can I avoid it when using language taken directly from an outside source?
A: Plagiarism is the act of passing off someone else's work as your own. When using language taken directly from an outside source, it's essential to properly cite the source to avoid plagiarism. You can avoid plagiarism by using quotation marks around direct quotes, citing the source, and explaining how the quotation supports the argument.
Q: What is the difference between a direct quote and a paraphrase?
A: A direct quote is a word-for-word reproduction of the original text, while a paraphrase is a restatement of the original text in your own words. When using a paraphrase, it's essential to properly cite the source to avoid plagiarism.
Q: How do I properly cite a direct quote in my writing?
A: When properly citing a direct quote, you should include the author's name, the title of the work, and the page number (if applicable). For example:
"The concept of love is complex and multifaceted," said Maya Angelou in her poem "Still I Rise." (Angelou, 1978, p. 12)
Q: Can I use a direct quote from a song or a movie?
A: Yes, you can use a direct quote from a song or a movie, but you should properly cite the source. For example:
"The road not taken" is a famous phrase from a poem by Robert Frost. (Frost, 1916)
Q: How do I properly cite a direct quote from a website or a blog?
A: When properly citing a direct quote from a website or a blog, you should include the author's name, the title of the work, and the URL of the website or blog. For example:
"The concept of love is complex and multifaceted," said Maya Angelou in her blog post "Love and Relationships." (Angelou, 2020, https://www.mayaangelou.com/love-and-relationships)
Q: Can I use a direct quote from a social media platform?
A: Yes, you can use a direct quote from a social media platform, but you should properly cite the source. For example:
"The power of love is a powerful force that can overcome obstacles and bring people together," said Maya Angelou on Twitter. (Angelou, 2020, https://twitter.com/mayaangelou/status/123456789)
Q: How do I properly cite a direct quote from a book with multiple authors?
A: When properly citing a direct quote from a book with multiple authors, you should include the authors' names, the title of the work, and the page number (if applicable). For example:
"The concept of love is complex and multifaceted," said Maya Angelou and Jill Nelson in their book "Love and Relationships." (Angelou and Nelson, 2020, p. 12)
Q: Can I use a direct quote from a book that is not in print?
A: Yes, you can use a direct quote from a book that is not in print, but you should properly cite the source. For example:
"The concept of love is complex and multifaceted," said Maya Angelou in her unpublished manuscript "Love and Relationships." (Angelou, 2020, unpublished manuscript)
Conclusion
Using language taken directly from an outside source can be a powerful way to add depth and complexity to a piece of writing. However, it's essential to follow best practices to avoid plagiarism and ensure proper citation. By answering these frequently asked questions, we hope to provide you with a better understanding of how to properly use language taken directly from an outside source in your writing.
References
Angelou, M. (1978). Still I Rise. Random House.
Frost, R. (1916). The Road Not Taken. Henry Holt and Company.
Angelou, M. (2020). Love and Relationships. Maya Angelou's Blog.
Angelou, M., and Nelson, J. (2020). Love and Relationships. Random House.
Additional Resources
- MLA Handbook (8th ed.). (2016). Modern Language Association of America.
- Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.). (2017). University of Chicago Press.
- APA Publication Manual (7th ed.). (2020). American Psychological Association.