How do you use quotation marks correctly when citing text in writing?

• A. Use quotes for exact words, with proper punctuation and citation; avoid overquoting.
• B. Always replace quotation marks with italics.
• C. Use quotation marks for paraphrase.
• D. Never cite sources at all.

Answer: (A)

When citing text, use quotation marks to reproduce the exact words from a source, keeping the original punctuation, and follow with a citation to show where it came from. This preserves the author’s exact language and lets readers verify the source, which strengthens your writing. Place the punctuation that belongs to the quoted material inside the quotation marks, and use brackets if you need to add clarifications or adjust wording, or ellipses if you omit parts. Quote only the necessary words to support your point and paraphrase the rest in your own words to avoid overquoting. The other options don’t fit because replacing quotation marks with italics doesn’t mark exact text, paraphrase should not be in quotes, and never citing sources omits essential attribution.