Embedding quotes in an essay is a useful way to support your arguments and add depth to your writing. When quoting a source in your essay, it is important to follow the guidelines of the citation style you are using. In the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, there are specific rules for how to format and punctuate embedded quotes.
First and foremost, it is essential to introduce the quote and provide context for your reader. This means that you should introduce the quote by explaining who said it and what the quote is about. For example:
According to John Smith, "The best way to understand a complex issue is to break it down into smaller parts and analyze each part separately" (Smith 46).
In this example, the quote is introduced with the phrase "According to John Smith," which tells the reader who said the quote. The quote is also introduced with a signal phrase that explains what the quote is about.
After introducing the quote, you should include the quote itself in quotation marks. It is important to use quotation marks to indicate that the words are not your own, but rather are being borrowed from another source. If the quote is more than four lines long, you should format it as a block quote. To do this, you should start the quote on a new line and indent it about half an inch from the left margin. You should also omit the quotation marks when formatting a block quote. Here is an example of a block quote:
According to John Smith,
The best way to understand a complex issue is to break it down into smaller parts and analyze each part separately. This method allows us to get a clearer understanding of the issue and to see how all of the parts fit together.
(Smith 46)
It is also important to properly punctuate and cite your quotes in MLA style. After the quote, you should include the page number in parentheses. If the quote is from a book, you should also include the author's last name and the page number. If the quote is from a website or other online source, you should include the URL and the date of access.
In conclusion, using embedded quotes in your essay can help you to support your arguments and add depth to your writing. By following the guidelines of the MLA style, you can ensure that your quotes are properly formatted and cited.