Selecting direct quotations
Use double quotations marks " " and a citation, e.g. (Smith, 2000, p. 36), when using the exact words of the author, even if it is a short phrase. You must make it clear to the reader which words are the author's and which words are your own.
Select direct quotations that:
- develop a step in your argument
- present striking, memorable phrasing
- provide a strong, specific example
- summarise an author's main points
(Trivedi & Williams, 2002, para 4)
When you use the ideas of others you must cite them
When selecting quotations, avoid:
- quoting unnecessary details and descriptions
- quoting in order to supply padding for your writing
- quoting common facts
- quoting chunks of information that could be better summarised
- quoting information you could state in your own words
(Trivedi & Williams, 2002, para 5)