The block citation MLA style is applied in the humanities, particularly cultural studies and English literature. The block quote is one of the most crucial tools to utilise when quoting a long passage from a source. Block quotes are applied when a quote must be too long to be included in the regular text flow. The rules for block quotes in the 8th edition of the MLA Handbook are straightforward but must be paid attention to. These rules will render your citations comprehensible, concise and MLA compliant. Understanding when and how to use the block quotes in MLA format is significant for any author to include research in their writing. This article will guide you through the MLA block quote format, examples and mistakes to be avoided.
What Is an MLA Block Quote?
MLA block quotes are applied to quote a passage from a source that has more than 4 lines of text. In MLA format, if longer than 4 lines, a quotation is set apart from the rest of the paragraph as a block quotation. Unlike in-text quotes, block quotes are not placed in quotation marks. They are indented 5 spaces from the left margin and double spaced. Block quotes help to highlight a particular passage, so the author can quote a lengthy piece of text without discrediting their argument. It's important to know the intention of block quotes to use them appropriately. Block quotes help the author to keep their voice while highlighting key points from the source material. But misusing block quotes will mislead the reader and destroy your argument.
When to Use Block Quotes in MLA?
Block quote MLA style usage is only used when you are quoting more than 4 lines of prose or 3 lines of poetry. When the quote is brief, you insert it in your writing work and enclose it in quotation marks. Block quotes are used to indicate long chunks of text which are part of your argument but cannot be paraphrased. Block quotes are also useful if you are compelled to use the source word for word and cannot modify it in any form, such as in texts such as court decisions, ancient writings or works of fiction books. Although block quotes are used to indicate citations in detail, avoid the use of too many block quotes. Too many block quotes create the impression your paper is relying heavily on the source and not on its comprehension. Use sparingly and only if what you are quoting is actually crucial or vital to your argument.
How to Quote Blocks in MLA (8th Edition)?
To put block quotes in MLA format you need to follow block quotation MLA format simple rules. First the block quote should be on a separate line and indented one inch from the left margin. The indent should be the same throughout the block quote. Block quotes are double spaced like the rest of your writing on your paper. Block quotes do not include quotation marks, the indent alone will make the quoted text stand out. Following the last punctuation of the block quote you need to insert the parenthetical citation. The citation needs to include the author's last name and the page number(s) the quote is on but no punctuation before the citation. Let's say you are quoting something from a book by John Smith and the quote is on page 35 you would create the citation (Smith 35). Following these simple rules will have your block quotation MLA formatted according to MLA rules.
Step-by-Step MLA Block Quotes Guide
To place a block long quotes MLA (8th Edition) do the following. First, make sure the quotation is more than four lines of text. If so the second step is to put the block quote on a new line. Do not put quotation marks around the quote. Then indent the entire block quote one inch from the left margin. The indent makes the quote visually set off from the rest of the text. The block quote should also be double spaced as is the rest of the paper. After the block quote is inserted put the parenthetical citation after the end punctuation of the quote. The citation should have the author's last name and the page number(s) of the source but no other punctuation marks are necessary before the citation. Double check the block quote does not have any unnecessary quotation marks and that it is correctly indented. By doing so your long quotation MLA will be correctly formatted.
Examples of MLA Block Quotes in Research Papers
To see MLA block quotes used in action read these examples. Below is an example of a block quote in a Jane Austen piece:
In Pride and Prejudice Mr. Darcy says:
"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." His words were simple, yet his meaning was profound, as he struggled to express his feelings in a way that would be understood by those around him. (Austen 234)
In this example, the block quote is indented and double-spaced. Notice that no quotation marks are used, and the citation follows the quote. This is a proper MLA block quote. Another example might come from a research article, such as:
In the study on climate change, the researcher asserts:
"The evidence presented in this study indicates that human activity has been a significant contributor to global warming, with a marked increase in temperatures over the past century." (Smith 102)
Again, the quote is double spaced and indented with proper citation according to MLA. These are just a few examples of how you can incorporate block quotes into research papers.
Common Errors to Be Aware of for MLA Block Quotations
When writing quoting long quotes MLA a number of things can go awry and ruin your paper. One of the most prevalent is failing to indent the quote correctly. Recall the whole block quote needs to be indented one inch from the left margin and this is required for the quote to be identified as a block quote. Another error is placing quotation marks around the block quote. Because block quotes are already visually separated by indentation, quotation marks are unnecessary and should be omitted. And omitting a parenthetical citation after the block quote is a lethal error. This citation always needs to be consistent with block quote MLA standards, author's last name and page number(s). Failing to adhere to these easy rules can make your writing ambiguous and impact your paper's credibility. Double check your block quotes prior to submitting.
Conclusion
Finally, MLA block quotes are an essential tool when it comes to quoting longer passages of text in research papers and essays. The MLA Handbook 8th edition has made it easy and straightforward. The steps outlined above and you'll be certain that your block quotes are in the right format and will help to make your writing as a whole. Be sure to use block quotes sparingly and only when you have to because using them too much can make your paper look cluttered and make it difficult to keep your own voice. Knowing when and how to use MLA block quotes will enhance your academic writing and your citations will be accurate and professional.Stuck on MLA block quotes? Our experts at Assignment In Need are ready to help you master it and succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do I Need Quotation Marks for MLA Block Quotes?
No, you don't place quotation marks around block quotes in MLA. The indentation serves to separate the block quote from the rest of the text. You don't need to use them and shouldn't use them when you're quoting a block quote.
Q2. How Do I Correctly Cite a Block Quote in MLA?
To cite a block quotation in MLA, put the last name of the author and page number(s) in parentheses at the end of the closing punctuation of the quotation. No punctuation mark before the citation. For example: (Smith 35). Put the citation immediately after the block quotation without punctuation.
Q3. What's the Indication for MLA Block Quotes?
The MLA margin of block quotes is 1 inch from the left margin. Indent the entire block quote and the space is used to separate the quote from the remaining part of the paragraph. Double space the block quote as required by MLA.
Q4. When to Use a Block Quote in MLA?
To block quotes in MLA (8th Edition), indent 1 inch from the left margin, put the quote on a new line, and double-space the entire quote. Don't put quotation marks around the block quote. Put the parenthetical citation after the quote with the last name of the author and page number(s).