What Constitutes a Long Quote?
* Generally: A quote exceeding 40 words is considered long.
* Specific Guidelines: Your institution, professor, or style guide (like MLA, APA, Chicago) might have their own word limits for long quotes.
Formatting Long Quotes
1. Indentation: Indenting long quotes is the key visual cue.
* Indentation: Indent the entire quote 1/2 inch (or 10 spaces) from the left margin.
* No Indentation on First Line: The first line of the quote does not need to be indented.
2. Double Spacing: Long quotes should be double-spaced, just like the rest of your paper.
3. Block Quote Format:
* No Quotation Marks: Do NOT use quotation marks around a block quote. The indentation signifies it's a direct quote.
* Citation: Place your citation after the final punctuation mark of the quote. The citation format depends on your style guide (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago).
* Example (MLA):
> "The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it's all that matters."
> ― Audrey Hepburn (Hepburn 12).
4. Integrating Block Quotes:
* Context: Always introduce a long quote with a sentence or two of context to explain why you're including it.
* Flow: Make sure the quote flows smoothly into your own writing. You may need to add a transition phrase or sentence after the quote.
Example (APA Style):
In a study on happiness, researchers found that "a strong sense of purpose and meaning in life is a key predictor of happiness" (Williams & Peterson, 2014, p. 345).
Additional Tips
* Avoid Overusing Long Quotes: Only use long quotes when the exact wording is crucial to your argument.
* Paraphrase When Possible: Often, you can paraphrase the key ideas of a source in your own words. This is usually more effective than using a long quote.
* Check Your Style Guide: Always consult your specific style guide for the precise formatting rules for long quotes.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your long quotes are formatted correctly and effectively communicate the ideas of your source material.