Comma-Quote Strategy: Use to include evidence and commentary in your writing
a) Cite specific words and phrases from the text.
For example: On page 12 of Holes, Mr. Pendanski refers to Zero as “not completely useless.”
Put quotation marks only around the specific words or phrases that come from the text.
b) Cite a passage from the text, using quotation marks to show that it is a direct quote. Include a “signal phrase” to introduce the textual evidence. Try varying the placement and language of the signal phrase to avoid repetition.
For example:
According to the text, “XXXX.”
According to the author, “XXXX.”
The passage states, “XXXX.”
An example from the passage that supports ______is, “XXXX.”
In the article/book/story, Title, it suggests, “XXXX.”
On page 12, the author claims, “XXXX”
An example from the text is on page 2, where it states/confirms/supports/clarifies, “XXXX”
After quoting the text, you must follow with a “because statement” or draw a conclusion in your own words. This is called commentary. For example: What does this show? What can you infer? What do you think about it? Why is it important? Your commentary will allow you to get to the analysis level of thinking and writing.
This shows…
This implies…
The evidence demonstrates/reveals...
*Adapted from Comma Quote Strategy by Cam, Miller, Curriculum Planner, Stephen Decatur Middle School
Comma-Quote Strategy: Use to include evidence and commentary in your writing
a) Cite specific words and phrases from the text.
For example: On page 12 of Holes, Mr. Pendanski refers to Zero as “not completely useless.”
Put quotation marks only around the specific words or phrases that come from the text.
b) Cite a passage from the text, using quotation marks to show that it is a direct quote. Include a “signal phrase” to introduce the textual evidence. Try varying the placement and language of the signal phrase to avoid repetition.
For example:
According to the text, “XXXX.”
According to the author, “XXXX.”
The passage states, “XXXX.”
An example from the passage that supports ______is, “XXXX.”
In the article/book/story, Title, it suggests, “XXXX.”
On page 12, the author claims, “XXXX”
An example from the text is on page 2, where it states/confirms/supports/clarifies, “XXXX”
After quoting the text, you must follow with a “because statement” or draw a conclusion in your own words. This is called commentary. For example: What does this show? What can you infer? What do you think about it? Why is it important? Your commentary will allow you to get to the analysis level of thinking and writing.
This shows…
This implies…
The evidence demonstrates/reveals…
*Adapted from Comma Quote Strategy by Cam, Miller, Curriculum Planner, Stephen Decatur Middle School