What is a direct quote in writing?

A direct quote in writing is an exact copy of someone else's words, enclosed in quotation marks. It's like taking a snapshot of what someone said or wrote and inserting it directly into your own text.

Here's a breakdown:

* Exact Words: The quote must be word-for-word identical to the original source.

* Quotation Marks: The quote is enclosed in double quotation marks (" ").

* Attribution: You must cite the source of the quote, usually by including the speaker's name or the source's title.

Example:

"To be or not to be, that is the question," pondered Hamlet in Shakespeare's famous play.

Key Points:

* Direct quotes add authority and credibility to your writing.

* They allow you to present a specific point of view or evidence directly from the source.

* They help avoid plagiarism by clearly acknowledging the original author's words.

Note: You can also use single quotation marks (' ') to enclose a quote within another quote.