How do you integrate a quote properly in MLA-style writing?

• A. Place the quote after a colon and end with citation.
• B. Include the quote as a block without quotation marks and add citation.
• C. Introduce the quote with a signal phrase, include the quotation with quotation marks, and provide an in-text citation with page numbers if required; then follow with analysis.
• D. Paraphrase the quote and omit citation if it's common knowledge.

Answer: (C)

In MLA-style writing, integrating a quote means weaving the exact words into your own sentence with clear attribution and a subsequent explanation. Start with a signal phrase that names the author and sets up why this specific quote matters, then present the quotation with quotation marks. If page numbers are available, include them in an in-text citation right after the quoted material. After the citation, follow with your analysis that shows how the quotation supports your point and what it reveals about your interpretation.

If the passage is long (more than a few lines), format it as a block quote: indent the entire quote, omit quotation marks, and place the in-text citation after the block, then continue with your analysis. This keeps the flow organized and makes the source integration visually clear.

This approach ensures the source is clearly attributed, the original wording is preserved, and your argument remains the guiding thread that connects the quotation to your analysis.