1. The original wording is particularly impactful or memorable:
* Strong phrasing: If the original author has expressed an idea in a particularly powerful or elegant way, quoting preserves that impact.
* Famous or iconic lines: Using a well-known quotation adds weight to your argument and helps establish your authority on the topic.
* Specific details or examples: If the source provides precise details or examples crucial to your point, quoting allows the reader to experience those directly.
2. The source's authority is crucial to your argument:
* Expert opinion: A quote from a renowned expert strengthens your claim by lending credibility to your argument.
* Primary source: If you're using primary sources like historical documents or personal accounts, direct quotes provide authentic voices and insights.
* Opposition's viewpoint: Quoting opposing viewpoints allows you to engage directly with them and refute them effectively.
3. The quotation adds a specific context:
* Author's intention: A quotation can reveal the author's intentions, motivations, or perspectives on a topic.
* Historical context: Quotes can provide valuable historical context, offering a glimpse into a specific time or event.
* Multiple perspectives: Quoting multiple sources with differing viewpoints can present a multifaceted analysis of a topic.
However, remember that excessive quotation can weaken your own voice. Choose quotations strategically to support your argument, but don't rely on them to do all the work.
Here are some instances where paraphrasing is preferable:
* The source's wording is not particularly impactful or memorable.
* The source's authority is not essential to your argument.
* You need to condense the information from the source.
* You need to integrate the information from the source with your own ideas.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to quote or paraphrase depends on the specific context of your essay and your intended argument.