How to Cite Full Paragraphs in Papers

Citing a full paragraph in a paper is not complicated, but it is generally considered poor style. It's much better to paraphrase the citation, stating its central idea in your own words, and then providing a reference to the original text. The only exception to this general rule is if the paragraph is just so wonderfully written that you couldn't possibly hope to express it better yourself. This is called a "block quotation," meaning a passage is reproduced in its entirety.

Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the passage that you want to quote and determine if it is really something that has to be reproduced exactly as written. If you can effectively paraphrase the passage, that is generally preferable. End by citing the passage in the system you are using (MLA, APA, etc.).

    • 2

      Determine if the passage will take up more than four typed lines. If it is shorter than four lines, simply place quotation marks around it and include it in your regular paragraph, and then provide the citation.

    • 3

      Indent passages longer than four lines roughly one inch from the left margin of the page. The text of the quote should be double spaced. Do not add quotation marks. End with the citation.

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