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Choose the best quotes

If a quote doesn't say exactly what you need it to say, it's better to use your own words.

A good quote adds something meaningful to your argument and links to the main idea of the paragraph.

When choosing a quote, make sure it:

  • supports the main idea of the paragraph

  • is punchy and direct, even dramatic

  • comes from a source you trust

  • is relatively short and to the point.

Follow each quote with a short description of what it means and how it relates to your topic sentence and argument. Don't use quotes instead of your own words — they're meant to add weight to your argument.

You can also use quotes to include information that you don't necessarily agree with but that is still important. These are called ‘scare quotes', and they're useful when you want to make a strong or even biased point while remaining objective.

See also

Examples as evidence

For example

'...such an approach will be repudiated by the overwhelming majority of Australians who are proud of what this country has achieved although inevitably acknowledging the blemishes in its past history.'

Your notes might comment on how John Howard's language use presents his opinions, and the effect that this may have had on both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

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For example

'Crime' rates were reduced [..]

This quote is from the Native Police article on this site. It includes scare quotes around the word 'crime' because there is evidence to suggest that the Native Police didn't deal with many crimes, but instead cleared innocent Aborigines off the land so settlers could claim it.

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