Embedding Quotations

…because it’s YOUR job!

What is embedding? • Embedding involves selecting only the most important words in

your text evidence. In other words, you will never use an entire sentence from the text verbatim (that means word-for- word).

• The embedded text is the essential part of a quote that will help

you to advance your point and support your argument.

• You are doing the work of “sifting through” unnecessary components of text evidence to offer your audience ONLY WHAT IS NEEDED.

What does embedding look like?Combine a paraphrase with a quotation:• Not embedded: Tania Modleski suggests that “if television is

considered by some to be a vast wasteland, soap operas are thought to be the least nourishing spot in the desert.”

• Embedded: In her critique of soap operas, Tania Modleski argues

that some view television as “a vast wasteland” and soap operas as “the least nourishing spot in the desert.”

Do not use a full-sentence quotation. Your own commentary or ideas should support and elaborate the quotation.

Not embedded: Richard Cory had everything going for him. “He was a gentleman from sole to crown.” “And he was rich—yes, richer than a king.”

Embedded: Richard Cory had

everything going for him. Not only was he a “gentleman from sole to crown,” but he was “richer than a king.”