The Art of Proper Block Quote Formatting in MLA, APA, and Chicago Styles
Proper block quote formatting is crucial in academic writing to highlight effectively quoted material. This article delves into the nuances of block quotes in three major citation styles: MLA, APA, and Chicago.
Understanding Block Quotes in MLA Style
Block quotes in MLA formatting are used for quotations longer than 3 to 4 lines. This technique ensures that the quoted content stands out from the rest of the text, making it more readable and distinct.
Introduction and Quotation Format
To begin, introduce the quote with a short sentence that leads into it. Use a colon or a comma to separate this introductory sentence. For instance, you might say:
Rolland Barthes sought to understand the difference between cinema and photography: My interest in photography took a more cultural turn.
After the introduction, the quote itself is formatted with no quotation marks, set apart from the main text by starting on a new line:
My interest in photography took a more cultural turn. I decided I liked photography in opposition to the cinema from which I nonetheless failed to separate it. This question grew insistent. I was overcome by an
The quote is indented two inches (1.3 cm) from the left margin, and each paragraph within the block quote is indented an additional two inches. The entire block quote remains double-spaced, consistent with the rest of the MLA formatted paper.
Block Quote Implementation in APA Style
APA style requires block quotes when the quotation is 40 or more words long. This can be defined using a word count tool found in writing applications.
Signal Phrase and Quotation Indentation
To start a block quote in APA, introduce it with a signal phrase that can take three forms:
State the author and year in the text at the beginning of the sentence. Only name the author in the text at the beginning of the sentence, placing the year in parentheses. Avoid naming the author.For example, you might write:
In Morgan's 2013 study, he stated...
The quote then begins on a new line, indented two inches (1.3 cm) from the left margin, without quotation marks. Highlight this block and use the “tab” button to indent it. If multiple paragraphs are quoted, indent the first line of each, starting with an additional two inches (1.3 cm).
The block quote must be double-spaced, with no quotation marks, and the citation should appear in parentheses at the end, including the page number if applicable.
Block Quote in Chicago Style
Chicago style uses block quotes for text longer than 5 lines or 100 words, especially for prose. For poetry, block the quote if it is more than 2 lines.
Introduction and Single-Spacing
Cite the quote by introducing it with a signal phrase, followed by a colon or a comma. For instance:
In many ways the text creates a distinction between the seen and the unseen:
The quote itself starts on a new line, without quotation marks, and is indented two inches (1.3 cm) from the left margin. To make the quote look like a block, highlight it and use the “tab” button to indent it. Use the same approach for additional paragraphs.
The quote is single-spaced within the block and is followed by a footnote or parenthetical citation, which provides all necessary bibliographic information.
Blocks of text in Chicago style format should start with a new line and end with a footnote or parenthetical citation after the last sentence in the quote. After the block, continue with a new line and return to the normal indentation.
Proper block quote formatting enhances the clarity and readability of academic writing, ensuring that the quoted material is easily distinguished and properly cited. This practice is indispensable in maintaining the integrity and credibility of your work.