Incorporating Ideas

I often ask my self, “What can I say that has not been said before?” In many of my own writings I have research to aid me in not just introducing me to different topics, but laying out the conversation for me to discover the holes that are present. To maintain the clarity of the topic I am writing about, I rely on the words and ideas of the current conversation. This is one reason why I find it extremely important to incorporate quotes from other sources effectively. According to Graff and Birkenstein (2006), it is important to include quotes, to provide support for the topics we are writing about.

Reading papers written by young writers, in this case, grades 5 to 12, I find quotations being used to support statements made by the writer. Often the writer will commence with his or her commentary, introduce the quote, and then move onto the next idea. This kind of hit and run approach to quotes, as Graff and Birkenstein’s graduate assistant refers to it, does little to make the quote relevant to the discussion, hence confusing the reader. It requires a little more explanation from the writer in order for the quote to appear relevant.

I have spent time with young writers, explaining the importance of introducing and explaining quotes effectively. However, the issue that comes up is the writer’s assumption that the reader will “get the idea” from the context. In some cultures/language communities, writers can expect their readers to do a little more of the work, making connections where ideas are not clear. The question that I encounter from many writers is, “How much do I need to explain about the quote?”

Answering this question requires that I start by explaining a quoting formula of sorts. First, set up the context that the quote will be fitting into. Next, introduce the quote (who said it). Then discuss the quote. Graff and Birkenstein provide a clearer rationale for this formula, but when dealing with young writers, I find it necessary to start with this formula then elaborate.

If anyone else has another approach to teaching quote usage, please let me know. I am always open to new ideas.