Leaving a Quote on an Island Writing Guide PDF
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This document provides guidance on effective quotation use in writing. It explains the concept of "leaving a quote on an island" and how to avoid it by providing context and speaker information, enhancing reader comprehension. The examples illustrate the importance of clear and concise writing.
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The expression "**leaving a quote on an island**" refers to **the problematic situation that occurs when a writer just dumps a quotation in the middle of a paragraph without first providing some important information about the quote.** The writer does not indicate who said or wrote the original text...
The expression "**leaving a quote on an island**" refers to **the problematic situation that occurs when a writer just dumps a quotation in the middle of a paragraph without first providing some important information about the quote.** The writer does not indicate who said or wrote the original text, nor does the writer provide adequate information about the situation that surrounds the quote. Due to this missing information, the reader cannot clearly comprehend the quote. As a result, the writer "leaves the quote on an island"---and leaves the reader feeling stranded, too. Here's a brief excerpt in which the writer has left two consecutive quotes on islands: **Example:** Joey initially expresses compassion. "'Does that clipped wing hurt, Mr. Lark?'" (2). Also, "The creatures are so small and at such a disadvantage" (3). These moments during which Joey displays sympathy do not lead to a change in his behavior, however. **Explanation:** This passage raises several questions for the reader: - - - - In the example above, the writer has left the reader with too many questions unanswered. **The act of reading should never turn into work for the reader.** To improve this paragraph, the writer should identify the speaker and provide the necessary context: **Revised:** Joey initially expresses compassion towards the animals that venture into his crude backyard traps. After snaring a bird, for instance, he delicately inspects his prey and asks, "'Does that clipped wing hurt, Mr. Lark?'" (2). Later, his hidden net trick captures a bunny, which prompts Joey to acknowledge that "\[t\]he creatures are so small and at such a disadvantage" (3). These sympathetic displays, however, do not change his behavior.
