Quoting Techniques in Writing

What does the phrase 'leaving a quote on an island' refer to?

The act of reading should be an effortless experience for the reader.

What is one consequence of leaving a quote on an island?

Joey expresses compassion towards the animals that venture into his _______ backyard traps.

Match the quotation with the context provided about Joey's attitude:

Rule #1 of Quoting: Don't Leave a Quote on an Island

Leaving a quote "on an island" refers to a writing problem where a quote is placed in the middle of a paragraph without necessary context.
The writer doesn't indicate who spoke the quote or the surrounding situation, making it difficult for the reader to understand.
This creates a confusing and disjointed reading experience.

Example of Leaving a Quote on an Island

The example passage includes quotes without clear context.
Who is speaking, and who are the characters involved?
Questions remain unanswered about the context surrounding the quotes, making the writing unclear.

How to Fix the Problem

Provide crucial context around the quote, explaining who spoke it and the surrounding situation for better understanding.
Clearly identify the speaker of each quote.
Give the necessary information about characters and the situation.
Clarify any ambiguous elements (e.g., "creatures" in the example).

Revised Example

The revised example clarifies context, identifying the speaker and the situation around the quotes.
This makes the passage more understandable for the reader.

This quiz focuses on the importance of context when using quotes in writing. It highlights the pitfalls of leaving quotes 'on an island' without proper introduction or explanation, thereby confusing the reader. Test your understanding of how to effectively incorporate quotes into your prose.