Block quote

Definition

A block quote is a long quotation that is formatted as a distinct paragraph, typically set off from the main text with indentation. It is used in journalism and writing to give emphasis to the quoted material, allowing readers to easily identify the source's words without confusion. Block quotes are often reserved for longer excerpts, providing a more visually appealing way to present extensive information or testimony while maintaining clear attribution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Block quotes are generally used for quotations that exceed four lines in length, allowing for clear differentiation from the main text.
2. When using a block quote, the citation must follow journalistic standards, ensuring the original speaker or writer is properly credited.
3. The format for block quotes can vary by style guide, but they usually require indentation from the left margin and may involve changes in font style or size.
4. Block quotes can help add authority and credibility to a piece by showcasing direct voices or statements from experts or eyewitnesses.
5. Using block quotes sparingly is essential; over-reliance on them can detract from the writer's own voice and analysis.

Review Questions

• How does a block quote enhance the credibility of a news article?
  • A block quote enhances the credibility of a news article by allowing readers to see direct statements from sources, which adds weight to the reported facts. By including lengthy and impactful quotations, journalists can provide readers with firsthand perspectives that reinforce the narrative. This approach also establishes transparency in sourcing, showing that the journalist is not just paraphrasing but directly conveying the voices of those involved.
• In what situations would it be appropriate to use a block quote instead of regular quotation marks?
  • Using a block quote is appropriate when quoting material that exceeds four lines, as it helps distinguish longer excerpts from the main text. This formatting choice allows for easier readability and emphasizes the importance of the quoted material. Additionally, block quotes are beneficial when presenting complex ideas or testimonies that require more space for clarity, thus ensuring that the audience can grasp key points without interruption.
• Evaluate the potential drawbacks of using block quotes in journalism. How might they impact the writer's voice?
  • While block quotes can provide powerful testimony and lend credibility to an article, their overuse can lead to diminished originality in a journalist's writing. Relying too heavily on extensive quotations can overshadow the writer's voice and analysis, making it difficult for readers to engage with the author's perspective. This balance is crucial because excessive use of block quotes may make an article feel more like a compilation of other people's words rather than a cohesive narrative shaped by the journalist's insights.

Related terms

Attribution: The act of crediting or acknowledging the source of information or quotes in journalism and writing.

Paraphrase: Restating someone else's ideas or statements in your own words while still crediting the original source.

Quotation Marks: Punctuation marks used to indicate the exact words spoken or written by someone else, typically used for shorter quotes.