This book is a superb all-in-one guide to success GCSE English Language and English Literature - GCSE English 2003

Giving Evidence and Quoting
Section One — Writing Essays

You MUST give evidence for what you say and you have to quote your sources of evidence.

Give an Example Every Time You Make a Point

Use the 4 Rules for Quoting

Quoting means using someone else's words to back up your arguments.

Put quotation marks (" ") round quotes to separate other people's words from your words.

1) Use exactly the same words and punctuation as the person you're quoting used.

2) Always keep the same meaning — e.g. you couldn't quote "she approved of the idea" if the original was "she pretended that she approved of the idea"

3) Always say where you got the quote from. This means putting who said the quote and when they said it in brackets after it: "Vegetarians are healthier than meat-eaters" (The Vegetarian Society, 2002).

Writing Must Flow Around Quotes

“Use quotes — they’re great” (CGP, 9th April 1604)

You'll definitely improve your grade if you make sure you put loads of good examples and quotes in your answers. It proves that you're making a strong, authoritative argument.