Block quotation

Block Quotation

A block quotation is a distinct section of text that is set apart from the main body of text to highlight a particular passage, often used in academic writing, legal documents, and literary analysis. Block quotations are typically used for longer excerpts of text, usually more than four lines, and are formatted differently from the surrounding text to draw attention to the quoted material.

Formatting

Block quotations are formatted differently depending on the style guide being used. Common style guides include the APA, MLA, and Chicago Manual of Style. Despite variations, block quotations generally share the following characteristics:

• Indentation: The entire block of text is indented from the left margin. The amount of indentation can vary, but it is typically about half an inch or one tab space.
• Line Spacing: Block quotations are often single-spaced, even if the rest of the document is double-spaced.
• Quotation Marks: Unlike inline quotations, block quotations do not use quotation marks.
• Attribution: The source of the quotation is usually cited at the end of the block, following the specific citation style guidelines.

Usage

Block quotations are used to:

• Emphasize a Point: When a passage is particularly powerful or eloquent, a block quotation can highlight its significance.
• Provide Evidence: In academic writing, block quotations can be used to provide evidence for an argument or analysis.
• Preserve Original Formatting: When the original formatting of a text is important, such as in poetry or legal documents, block quotations can maintain the integrity of the original work.

Examples

In the APA style, a block quotation is used for quotations of 40 words or more. The text is indented 0.5 inches from the left margin, and the citation follows the punctuation at the end of the quote.

In the MLA style, a block quotation is used for prose quotations that exceed four lines. The text is indented one inch from the left margin, and the parenthetical citation comes after the final punctuation.

Considerations

When using block quotations, it is important to:

• Introduce the Quotation: Provide context for the quotation by introducing it with a sentence or phrase that explains its relevance.
• Analyze the Quotation: After presenting the block quotation, analyze or discuss its significance to ensure it supports your argument or analysis.
• Avoid Overuse: Use block quotations sparingly to avoid overwhelming the reader with large sections of quoted text.

Also see

• Quotation
• Citation
• Paraphrase
• Plagiarism