​4.4_Analytical Paragraph, Embedding Quotations

Embedding a quote means fitting the quotation naturally into your own sentence so it flows smoothly.
➡️ No “quote dumping.”
➡️ No starting a sentence with “This quote shows…”

Use this simple structure:

➡️ Context + Signal Phrase + Quotation + Explanation

• Context: When/where does this moment happen?

• Signal Phrase: Orwell writes, The narrator explains, Squealer claims, Napoleon demands, etc.

• Quotation: Short, relevant evidence.

• Explanation: Why the quote proves your theme.

Students may use:

• Orwell writes…

• The narrator explains…

• Napoleon insists…

• Squealer argues…

• The animals realize…

• Boxer believes…

• The pigs claim…

✅ Use short quotes (5–10 words) when possible.
✅ Make sure the quote directly supports the theme.
✅ Avoid starting a sentence with a quotation.
✅ Always explain the quote—never assume it’s obvious.

When you embed a quotation, you must include a parenthetical citation with the author’s last name and the page number where the quote appears.

MLA Format:

“quotation” (Orwell 45).

• No commas inside the parentheses

• No “pg.” or “p.”

• The period goes after the parenthesis

• Author’s last name + page number only

1. Embedded Quote + MLA Citation

Orwell shows the pigs’ corruption when the animals discover that “some animals are more equal than others” (Orwell 112).

2. With a Signal Phrase

As Orwell writes, “Squealer could turn black into white” (52).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ “quote.” (Orwell, 23) — No comma
❌ “quote” (Orwell pg. 23). — Do not write pg.
❌ (George Orwell 45) — Use only the last name
❌ Period before parentheses — Put it after