Introduction
In academic writing, it is essential to use proper citation styles to avoid plagiarism and provide credibility to your work. The American Psychological Association (APA) is one of the most commonly used citation styles, and block quotes are an integral part of it. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about APA block quotes.What is a Block Quote?
A block quote is a direct quote from another source that is more than 40 words. In APA style, block quotes are indented 0.5 inches from the left margin, and the entire quote is double-spaced. Block quotes should not be enclosed in quotation marks, and the citation is placed after the punctuation.Example of a Block Quote
Here is an example of a block quote in APA style:"The few own the many because they possess the means of livelihood of all ... The country is governed for the richest, for the corporations, the bankers, the land speculators, and for the exploiters of labor. The majority of mankind are working people. So long as their fair demands – the ownership and control of their livelihoods – are set at naught, we can have neither men's rights nor women's rights. The majority of mankind is ground down by industrial oppression in order that the small remnant may live in ease." (Debs, 1918, p. 92)
When to Use a Block Quote?
Block quotes should be used sparingly and only when necessary. They are typically used when you want to quote a passage that is too long to include in your text or when the exact wording is critical to your analysis. Block quotes should not be used to fill up space or to avoid writing your analysis.How to Format a Block Quote?
To format a block quote in APA style, follow these guidelines:- Indent the entire quote 0.5 inches from the left margin.
- Do not enclose the quote in quotation marks.
- The entire quote should be double-spaced.
- Place the citation after the punctuation.
- Use ellipses (...) to indicate any omitted words and brackets [ ] to indicate any added words.
Example of Formatted Block Quote
Here is an example of a formatted block quote in APA style:"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education." (King Jr., 1947, p. 63)
