Block Quoting in APA: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is Block Quoting?

Block quoting is a writing style used to quote text that is longer than a few lines. It is a way to present long quotes in a structured format that makes the material easier to read. In the APA style, block quotes are used to cite the exact words of another author or speaker.

When Should You Use Block Quotes?

Block quoting is used when the exact words of another author or speaker are needed to make a point. This could be when a direct quote is needed to support a claim or when paraphrasing would not accurately reflect the original source.

The Basics of Block Quoting in APA

In the APA style, block quotes are formatted differently than regular quotes. Here are some key rules for block quoting in APA:

• The block quote should start on a new line and be indented from the left and right margins.
• The block quote should be double-spaced.
• The block quote should not be surrounded by quotation marks.
• The block quote should be preceded by a colon.
• The block quote should be followed by an in-text citation.
• The block quote should be followed by punctuation.

Examples of Block Quoting in APA

Here are some examples of how to use block quoting in APA:

Example 1: Short Quote

The author states that “block quoting is an effective way to present a long quote in a structured format” (Smith, 2020, p. 25).

Example 2: Long Quote

The author explains the importance of block quoting:

:Block quoting is an effective way to present a long quote in a structured format. It helps to make the quote easier to read and understand, and it also helps to make sure that the original words of the author or speaker are accurately represented (Smith, 2020, p. 25).

Conclusion

Block quoting is an important part of the APA citation style. Knowing how to format and use block quotes can help you accurately cite and represent the words of another author or speaker. With practice, you can master the art of block quoting in APA.