When students get into critical analysis in Grade 12 English Literature, a big skill they need is using quotes effectively. Quotes help support their arguments, but there are some common mistakes that can make things less clear. Let’s look at these mistakes and see how to avoid them in your writing!
One big mistake students make is relying too much on quotes. If you use too many, your writing can start to feel like a bunch of other people's thoughts instead of your own.
Quotes are helpful, but you should use them wisely. The goal is to show your own ideas clearly.
Example: Instead of writing, “In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the ghost says, ‘Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,’” followed by lots of other quotes, try using just one strong quote. Then explain what it means: “In ‘Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,’ the ghost creates a feeling of unease that affects the whole play, showing the moral problems in Elsinore.”
Another common mistake is sharing quotes without any background information. A quote might not make sense if readers don’t know where it fits in the story or with the characters.
Tip: Always introduce your quotes. Tell readers who is speaking, what the situation is, and why it matters.
Illustration: Instead of just saying, “George says, ‘I got no people,’” which feels sudden, add context: “In Of Mice and Men, when George says, ‘I got no people,’ it shows his deep loneliness and the theme of isolation in the story. During the Great Depression, this statement captures the struggles of wandering workers.”
Sometimes, students pick quotes that don't really support their main idea. This can make the argument seem scattered.
Make sure every quote relates to your point and provides solid proof.
Example: If you’re looking at the theme of betrayal in The Kite Runner, use a relevant quote: “For you, a thousand times over.” Then explain how this quote highlights loyalty and betrayal throughout the story. Stay away from quotes that sound interesting but don’t really connect to your main idea.
Many students stop right after they add a quote, forgetting to explain why it matters. A quote is just a starting point; the real strength comes from your analysis.
Action Item: Always link your quote to your main idea or argument.
Example: After quoting Amir’s thoughts on his guilt, discuss what that guilt means for his relationships and growth: “Amir’s guilt, especially about Hassan, drives his journey toward redemption, showing how past trauma can stay with a person into adulthood.”
Finally, making mistakes in quoting or forgetting to give credit can harm your credibility. Make sure you know the correct style for your quotes, whether it’s MLA, APA, or something else.
Best Practice: Check your formatting, use quotation marks correctly, and include page numbers or proper citations.
Using quotes in your critical analysis is a skill that takes practice. By avoiding these common mistakes—like using too many quotes, lacking context, quoting irrelevant information, neglecting analysis, and misformatting—you can improve your writing. Remember, the aim isn’t just to show quotes; it’s to support your argument and help readers understand the text better. Happy writing!
When students get into critical analysis in Grade 12 English Literature, a big skill they need is using quotes effectively. Quotes help support their arguments, but there are some common mistakes that can make things less clear. Let’s look at these mistakes and see how to avoid them in your writing!
One big mistake students make is relying too much on quotes. If you use too many, your writing can start to feel like a bunch of other people's thoughts instead of your own.
Quotes are helpful, but you should use them wisely. The goal is to show your own ideas clearly.
Example: Instead of writing, “In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the ghost says, ‘Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,’” followed by lots of other quotes, try using just one strong quote. Then explain what it means: “In ‘Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,’ the ghost creates a feeling of unease that affects the whole play, showing the moral problems in Elsinore.”
Another common mistake is sharing quotes without any background information. A quote might not make sense if readers don’t know where it fits in the story or with the characters.
Tip: Always introduce your quotes. Tell readers who is speaking, what the situation is, and why it matters.
Illustration: Instead of just saying, “George says, ‘I got no people,’” which feels sudden, add context: “In Of Mice and Men, when George says, ‘I got no people,’ it shows his deep loneliness and the theme of isolation in the story. During the Great Depression, this statement captures the struggles of wandering workers.”
Sometimes, students pick quotes that don't really support their main idea. This can make the argument seem scattered.
Make sure every quote relates to your point and provides solid proof.
Example: If you’re looking at the theme of betrayal in The Kite Runner, use a relevant quote: “For you, a thousand times over.” Then explain how this quote highlights loyalty and betrayal throughout the story. Stay away from quotes that sound interesting but don’t really connect to your main idea.
Many students stop right after they add a quote, forgetting to explain why it matters. A quote is just a starting point; the real strength comes from your analysis.
Action Item: Always link your quote to your main idea or argument.
Example: After quoting Amir’s thoughts on his guilt, discuss what that guilt means for his relationships and growth: “Amir’s guilt, especially about Hassan, drives his journey toward redemption, showing how past trauma can stay with a person into adulthood.”
Finally, making mistakes in quoting or forgetting to give credit can harm your credibility. Make sure you know the correct style for your quotes, whether it’s MLA, APA, or something else.
Best Practice: Check your formatting, use quotation marks correctly, and include page numbers or proper citations.
Using quotes in your critical analysis is a skill that takes practice. By avoiding these common mistakes—like using too many quotes, lacking context, quoting irrelevant information, neglecting analysis, and misformatting—you can improve your writing. Remember, the aim isn’t just to show quotes; it’s to support your argument and help readers understand the text better. Happy writing!