Embedding Quotes Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.5.1

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

A quote is a repeat or echo of what some else said in a speech. Quotes can help people use evidence that is presented from authoritative sources and figures to help them substantiate a position or pull together a series of positions to make a solid argument about a well-defined point that they may have. The concept of embedding a quote is used for the purpose of position something someone else said into the thoughts of your own writing. We embed quotes for many different reasons while will are substantiating our points within our own writing, most often you will find that the point is hammer home an idea or concept that the author finds to be important. This selection of worksheets will do a great job at helping your students to learn how a quote can make or break their position within a written composition.

Embedding Quotes Worksheets To Print:

Jump In - Rewrite each given quotation as an embedded quote.

In-Text Citations - We explore this technique and give you a series of steps to help you achieve it.

Cut Down - You will work with a length series of sentences and rewrite it all in a single clear and concise sentence.

Errors - You presented with work that is riddled in errors. You must post all the corrections.

3 Strategies - You will work on using all these techniques and applying it to same information to help you see the differences.

Science of Drawing - The text below is from The Practice and Science of Drawing by Harold Bloom. Choose three quotations from the passage. On a separate sheet of paper, write three sentences that each includes an embedded quote from the passage.

Common Errors - You will be the teacher on this series of work.

Reference Sheet for Introducing - If you get stuck on how to introduce a quote, or you find you are using the same signal word(s) too often, refer to the reference sheet for ideas.

Signal Phrases - These help present a context for your audience to evaluate and use.

Practice Makes Perfect - You will work on these strategies with just a subtle push from us.

Using Citations - You will get more practice with this particular strategy to help you master it in your own writing.

Topic Vocabulary - We look at the actual pieces that make up this topic.

Before You Submit Your Paper - This is a checklist for students to help them make sure they covered all loose ends before they pass it off to be graded.

More Practice - We have you evaluate the work of the author. Make sure to read the entire thing.

Susan B. Anthony - Evaluate one of her 1873 speeches and see how she uses the techniques that we have explored in this topic.

The Rules for Embedding Quotes


Quotes can breathe life into any text. Using quotes is an integral part of the writing process as they allow you to present evidence with your claims. It is essential to find the right quotes and then embed them carefully into the text to ensure that the reader does not find it challenging to understand the point you’re trying to make.


Determine the Need for a Quote


When writing, study your text and determine whether a quote is required in the first place. Stuffing them into the text where it isn’t required can confuse the reader, reduce its value, and simply backfire. Whenever adding these types of excerpts can ensure that you have created the right space and context for the citation to fill. If your text feels incomplete, and you believe a quote would complement the readability of your piece, then find an instance in which it fits.


Ensure Relevance


If you decide to use a quote in your text, make sure it’s relevant. An irrelevant misquote may misguide the reader, while a well placed echo that complements your text will strengthen your writing. You can determine the relevance of a person's words by ensuring that it applies to the subject you’re writing about. For instance, suppose you’re writing about art, then a quote by a famous artist expressing what art means to them will gloss over your text and give it a polished feel.


How to Find the Right Quote


The key to finding the right quote is finding the right author. There are certain patrons of every subject, individuals who have excelled in that field or have shared their opinion regarding the said field. You need to find an author with legitimacy and authority, someone well known whose words other people will appreciate. Once you find such an author, review their quotes. If you’re searching on the internet, it’s essential to use the right keywords. Use the author’s name and the subject name and write quotes before clicking on the search icon. It’s necessary to cross-check quotes from other sources to prove credibility. Remember to give credit where it’s due and site sources.


Use Signal Phrases to Introduce a Quote


Signal Phrases are words such as "according to," "Claims," "proposes," etc. As the name hints, these phrases signal the beginning of a quote and sway the reader’s attention in a certain way. Signal phrases captivate the reader and highlight the quote. When using quotes, it’s imperative to introduce them the right way. Like introducing an old friend to a new one, you must ensure that the quote’s introduction is faultless so they make a positive impression on the reader.


Embedding Quotes Correctly


Traditionally there are three ways to insert a quote into text. Each of these uses has a particular advantage and disadvantage. You will slowly learn which is best for each situation that you face. We will offer you some general points to consider when you first start to use this technique.


Utilizing a Set of Them


You can set off the quote by separating it from the rest of the sentence using a comma. Then, capitalize the first letter of the quote to signal its beginning. This is the simplest method of embedding quotes into text.


Build Them into the Text


Quotations built into the text are not separated by a comma but are used as a part of the text with the word "that." Build-in quotations are used to help your text flow seamlessly and captivate the reader without specifically having to direct their attention to the quote.


Colons to Introduce Quotes Correctly


The most commonly used method of embedding quotes is to introduce these using colons. An introductory sentence highlighting the author follows the colon, which separates the quote from the text and emboldens it. The reader is forced to pay attention to the quote and understand its importance in the text.