AP Language Guide to Quickquotes!
What is it? A quickquote is a brief selection of a larger text used for emphasis, support, or proof.
When is it used? A quickquote is used most frequently in rhetorical analysis and synthesis essays.
The Rules:
1. The quote used should support your idea.
ü This means that the quote should not be its own sentence (signal phrase and quote, nothing from you)
ü This means that the quote should have an obvious connection to your overall point and purpose.
Good Example:
Boxing is a sport that dehumanizes its participants, creating “lifeless lumps of flesh and bone” (Source A) and permitting their managers to see these as “guaranteed purses” (Source B).
Bad Example:
According to Source A, “Neate seemed like a lifeless lump of flesh and bone.”
2. The quote used should be quick and to the point.
ü The focus is on your idea and use of sources, not on the sources themselves.
ü Briefer is better.
Your goal for quote usage should be under 10 words definitely, under 7 words ideally.
If you like sections of the quote – only use the sections and throw your analysis within!
Good example:
King's facetious tone was clear from his first mention of the “idiot box” and continued through his asides concerning “Satan's mentally challenged younger brother” (Source A).
Bad Example:
King explained, “Our first idiot box was a used Zenith table model that weighed approximately 6,000 pounds” (Source A)
3. Your citation must be clear!
ü Be consistent! Source A, Source B, etc.
ü It is better to overcite than to undercite.
Underciting leads to instant failure.
ü Cite for both paraphrasing and quickquotes!
The rule of paraphrasing is the same as for laundry – if it's doubtful, it's dirty.
Good Example:
One proponent for the maintenance of boxing is the idea that boxing permits its participants to learn to handle fear (Source D).
Bad Example:
One proponent for the maintenance of boxing is the idea that boxing permits its participants to learn to handle fear. (A sentence like that will cause your reader to pause, scratch his/her head, and wonder “haven't I read that somewhere before...oh yes, in the source packet!”)