Why Use a Direct Quote?

When you use the exact words of someone else in your papers, you need to include them into your essays in such a way that the text flows smoothly. When you don't, the quotes seem to be "just thrown in" and the text seems choppy and interrupted.

Remember to use the words of others sparingly because this is your paper with your own point of view and not just a synopsis of what others have said.

Ask yourself these questions if you are considering using a direct quotation:

If you answer yes to any of these questions, then include the quotation into your text.