Block Quotations

Thesis StatementsAccelerated 10 EnglishOrder of Making Meaning in Literary StudyReadDetailsTopic Significant to the TextReturn to the details. Details are combined/interpreted to determine the authors purpose in discussing the topic which is theAuthors Theme (message about a big idea)Thesis = Author uses [X] to reveal [Y]Essay: Show how the authors [X] reveals the [Y]BreakdownAuthor uses [X] to suggest [Y].Author uses

X= [the specific spot in the story we want to address]

to suggest/display/reveal

Y= [some message about one of the big ideas].

Block QuotationsMr. StadnyckiHonors 10 English

Step 1The quoted words are usually more than one sentence in length and MUST be a minimum of 4 typed lines in your paper.

Step 2Introduce the text with a FORMAL style quotation introduction, which ends in a _______ (review!)

Remember that the factual content of your introduction should enhance the readers understanding of the passage. Review: This punctuation mark never follows a _______ or a ______ or a _______.

Step 3Start typing the quoted text on the next line, without adding any extra line spaces.

Step 4Indent the left margin of the quoted lines 2 tabs on your keyboard (10 spaces), but let the right margin match the standard margin that you have set for your paper.

Step 5The quoted text is spaced the same way as the body of your paper. (If your paper is double spaced, then the text of your blocked quotation would be double spaced.)

Step 6Do not add an additional indent for the first line of the blocked quotation (paragraph indentation). The left margin of the quotation remains straight, ONLY EXCEPTION: you are copying a text that has multiple paragraph indentations OR dialogue.

Step 7Copy the text EXACTLY. This includes paragraph changes as well as the standard sentence structure.

Step 8You may use the ellipsis and brackets when appropriate.

Step 9 - STRANGE BUT TRUE!The citation for this style of quotation is placed AFTER the closing punctuation mark.

Example: ----. (White 24)

NOT: ---- (White 24).

Step 10The first line of discussion after the quotation is placed at the left margin of your paper. No extra space is placed beneath the text of the quotation.

Step 11Seek paragraph balance: In any paragraph there should always be more of your words than quoted words.

Paragraphs should never end with quotations. You must explain evidence.

Reinforcement Note!EVERYTHINGEVERYTHINGEVERYTHING gets double spaced!Header, discussion, header, title.

NO MORE. NO LESS.

Breaking Down the job(s) of the paragraph17Purpose of each?Introduction and Thesis:States the argument.Topic Sentences:Breaks the argument into logical steps necessary to prove it true.Body Paragraphs:provide evidence that supports the claim of the thesis statement (the evidence or support)Directly relates each piece of evidence back to the theme to prove that the theme is the purpose of the text (the analysis)

What is in the topic Sentences?As with thesis statements, the topic sentence makes a claim.If X only, we have no literary argument.If no X, we have no idea what will be discussed in that paragraph.

So, a topic sentence breaks down some part of the [X] and connects it to the overall TOPIC of the essay.Connect that [X] to how the content of that paragraph will relate to the topic (big idea) of your essay.Paragraph that Follows the Topic SentenceThe paragraph gives reasons or examples AND explanations of how those reasons or examples support the claim of the topic sentence.

make a debatable claim (thesis)Break the evidence into parts for analysis (topic sentences)provide proof for that claim (the evidence or support)show how the evidence supports the claim (the analysis)

Evidence and Connection to Thesis StatementTHIS is Level 3.

Do I connect my evidence back to my thesis?Remember, I said that this text reveals this message. I have to PROVE thats true.Have I made the connections clear and obvious?Does it show how the evidence supports the claim in the thesis?21Levels 1, 2, 3Level 1: Summarize / Repeat / EvidenceDescribes plot, provides evidence for analysis.

Level 2: Interprets EvidenceSuggests a possible meaning for evidence

Level 3: Interpret & Connect to ThemeInterprets with the purpose of proving a theme exists Write your own Page 315For Whites commentary, write a body paragraph with each of the following items. Label each part:A topic sentence containing X and a connection to topic. Use one of our big ideas from Book 3 to focus you.1-2 sentences to introduce the context and conceptA formal quotation introThe block quotation (4 lines or longer)Explanation of quotation (3-4 sentences)One sentence must contain a key word or phrase quotation from the block quote.Check this part for Level 1 vs. Level 2 analysis.Skeleton Block & ExampleAnswer these Questions For Yourself:Topic Sentence:What does it need inside of it?Why?1-2 Sentences of Context:Have I given the reader sufficient context for understanding the where and what of this block quotation?Formal Quotation Intro:Have I told the reader what to look for on a thematic or critical-plot analysis level?The block quotation:4 lines or longer? Check other rules