Integration of Quotes:
It is important to make a smooth transition from your own words to those of another source. Never simply drop a quotation into a paragraph. A quotation can never stand in a sentence by itself without an introduction. For example:
In this example, the reader is not prepared for the quote and will become confused as a result.
To avoid dropping quotes in, use signal phrases. These are phrases which precede the quotation. They may include the authorís name and a verb (argues, compares, suggests, demonstrates, points out, etc.). An example is the following:
One could also incorporate a colon into the sentence to integrate the quote properly.
The above examples will be easier for the reader to understand as you are making it clear that the quotation is coming from that specific source.
It may not always be necessary to use an entire passage to prove your point. To use only a phrase you must weave the quote into your own sentence.
In some cases one can avoid direct quotation by paraphrasing the quote--that is, by restating what the author says in oneís own words (not looking at the quote when you are paraphrasing may help with this). To avoid plagiarism, you must be sure to (a) use your own words whenever you don't use quotation marks or block a quote and (b) cite your sources, especially if the ideas or information you are paraphrasing are not common knowledge, are specific to that author, or include specific numbers or other very specific information. When in doubt, cite the source.
Always cite the source of the paraphrased material. Just because it is in your own words does not make it your intellectual property. To not cite would be plagiarism.