The main Thesis Requirements: Tips on Quotation
One must be very careful while using quotations in their research work and thesis papers. Here are a few helpful tips that will help you in quoting someone’s words in your work.
- When you are writing about literature make sure to use direct quotes.
- Quotations act as a proof in supporting your argument.
- Quotations aid in making your argument strong if you know how to use them correctly. This means that the writer has to explain the purpose of using a certain quotation and justify how it helps in elaborating or supporting his argument. If you merely insert a quotation without any reference then it will be useless.
- It is very important to clearly state the purpose of each quotation you have used in your work.
- It is very important to clearly state the context of each quotation you have used in your work.
- When you write a quotation it is important to introduce and conclude it both in your paper. The conclusion you draw must be in accordance with the rest of your thesis and must relate to your argument.
- It is important to use signal phrases in your text when you are about to insert a quotation. This will help your reader in understanding that you have used someone’s work as a reference and are quoting it. Signal phrases are the ones that are used before quoting someone’s words. For instance “points out, states, emphasizes, explains” etc.
- Make sure you never paraphrase the quotation without giving a reference. If you use it as a continuation of your own words it will be considered plagiarism and you will be accused of intellectual theft.
- It is usually advisable to quote few lines and short texts. Do not quote a complete poem or lengthy paragraphs in your thesis.
- Make sure you insert inverted commas and quote the text as it is. Follow the same punctuations and words that have been used by the original author. You cannot change a quote by your own liking.
3 important questions
When you are writing your thesis and want to include a quotation ask yourself these questions. Your quotation must be able to answer them.
- How effectively does the quotation support my research?
- Is this quote the best evidence I could possibly use in my thesis?
- Why do I feel the need to quote instead of paraphrasing the text?