1. Supporting claims and arguments:
- Quotations provide evidence from specific sources or experts to support the essay's arguments and claims.
- They lend credibility to the essay by drawing upon external research and knowledge.
2. Adding credibility and authority:
- Including reliable and credible sources through quotations gives the essay a solid foundation and shows the reader that the essay is well-researched.
- Quoting established experts, studies, or reputable publications gives authority to the arguments presented.
3. Illustrating and elaborating points:
- Quotations can be used to provide specific examples, data, or descriptions that elaborate on the points being made in the essay.
- This adds depth and clarity to the discussion.
4. Strengthening analysis and interpretation:
- Quotations allow the writer to engage with ideas from other sources, analyze them, and present their own insights or interpretations.
- This demonstrates critical thinking and engagement with the literature on the topic.
5. Avoiding plagiarism and referencing sources:
- Using quotations gives proper credit to the original authors or sources from which ideas, data, or phrases are taken.
- Citations accompanying the quotations adhere to the specific citation style (e.g., MLA, APA) used in the essay.
Properly integrating and citing quotations is essential for academic integrity and demonstrates the writer's ability to synthesize and engage with multiple sources in their essay.