In the MLA (Modern Language Association) style guide, a block quote, also known as a long quote or an extracted quote, is a quotation that is set apart from the rest of the text with an indent and a new line. This type of quote is used when the quotation is four lines or more in length. The block quote is an essential tool in academic writing, as it allows authors to incorporate longer passages from other sources into their work while maintaining a clear and readable format.
When to Use Block Quotes
The MLA style guide recommends using block quotes in the following situations:
- Quote Length: The quotation is four or more lines in length. This is a general guideline, and the application may vary depending on the context and the discretion of the publisher or instructor.
- Poetry: For poetry quotations that exceed three lines, block quote formatting is often used to preserve the original lineation and structure of the poem.
- Dialogue: Extensive dialogue from a source, where the speech of one character exceeds four lines, can be formatted as a block quote.
How to Format Block Quotes in MLA Style
Formatting a block quote in MLA style involves the following steps:
- Indentation: The entire block quote is indented one inch (or ten spaces) from the left margin. This indentation is the primary visual cue that distinguishes the block quote from the surrounding text.
- Line Spacing: The text within the block quote should be double-spaced, just like the rest of the document.
- Quotation Marks: Unlike shorter quotes that are integrated into the text and enclosed in quotation marks, block quotes do not require quotation marks at the beginning and end.
- Citation: The in-text citation for a block quote is placed after the period at the end of the block quote. If the citation is part of the sentence, it follows the quotation but precedes the period.
- Paragraphing: If the block quote contains multiple paragraphs, each subsequent paragraph within the block quote should be further indented by an additional 0.5 inches (or five spaces) from the left margin.
Example of a Block Quote in MLA Style
Here’s an example of how a block quote might look in an MLA-formatted document:
In her seminal work on the intersection of culture and literature, Susan Sontag observes: Photographs are a way of imprisoning reality. One can’t possess reality, one can possess images–one can’t possess the present but one can possess the past. This is the essence of the photographic enterprise, and it is why photographs fascinate and disturb so much. Photographs really are experience captured, and the camera is the ideal arm of consciousness in its acquisitive mood (Sontag 14).
Note that the quotation is set apart with an indent, double-spaced, and the citation (Sontag 14) appears after the period at the end of the quote.
Tips for Effective Use of Block Quotes
- Use Them Sparingly: Block quotes should be used judiciously, as they can disrupt the flow of the text if overused.
- Introduce Them Clearly: Always introduce the block quote with a signal phrase or sentence that sets up the context for the reader.
- Explain Their Significance: After presenting the block quote, make sure to explain its relevance to your argument or the topic at hand.
By understanding and correctly applying the MLA guidelines for block quotes, writers can enhance the clarity, readability, and academic integrity of their work.
