MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Writing Practice Test

When quoting several paragraphs, where should quotation marks be placed?

1. At the end of the first paragraph only

2. At the beginning of each paragraph

3. At the beginning and end of each paragraph

4. At the beginning of the last paragraph only

The correct answer is: At the beginning and end of each paragraph

When quoting several paragraphs, quotation marks should be placed at the beginning and end of each paragraph. This practice is essential because it clearly indicates the start and end of the quoted material for readers, ensuring that they can easily distinguish between the quoted text and the author’s own writing. This clarity helps to maintain the integrity of the original source while also signifying any breaks in the text that occur due to paragraph formatting. By placing quotation marks at both the beginning and end of each paragraph, the reader comprehensively understands which sections are being quoted. This is particularly important in longer quotations where multiple paragraphs are involved, as it ensures that every part of the quoted content is properly attributed and delineated, preventing any potential confusion about what is being cited. This approach follows conventions in academic writing and respects the source material's context, allowing readers to appreciate the full scope of the quoted text.