quoting an essay in mla format

quoting an essay in mla format

When quoting an essay within your own 1000-word essay in MLA format, you should follow the MLA guidelines for incorporating and formatting quotations. Here’s how to properly quote an essay:

1. Introducing the Quotation:

• Before inserting a quote, provide context for your reader. Explain who the author is, what the essay is about, and why the quote is relevant to your own essay’s argument or discussion.

2. Using Quotation Marks:

• Enclose the quoted text within double quotation marks.

3. Punctuation:

• Place periods and commas inside the closing quotation mark.
• Place semicolons and colons outside the closing quotation mark.

4. Citation:

• After the closing quotation mark but before the period, insert an in-text citation. It should include the author’s last name and the page number where the quote can be found. For example: (Smith 45).

5. Block Quotations (for Longer Quotes):

• If your quote is longer than four lines of text or contains 40 or more words, it should be formatted as a block quotation.
• Indent the entire block quotation 1 inch from the left margin, without using quotation marks.
• Do not use quotation marks around block quotes.
• Include the in-text citation after the final punctuation mark within the block quote.

Here’s an example of how to quote an essay within your 1000-word essay:

Original Essay: From John Smith’s essay, “The Impact of Technology on Society,” he writes: “Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, shaping how we communicate, work, and interact with the world.”

Incorporating the Quote: In his essay, John Smith emphasizes the pervasive role of technology in contemporary society, stating, “Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, shaping how we communicate, work, and interact with the world” (Smith 45).

Remember to use quotes judiciously and only when the author’s words add significant value to your own essay. Additionally, be sure to provide proper citations for all quoted material and adhere to the word limit for your essay (1000 words in this case).