EXAMPLES (page 3)

 

Let's look at an example of a point supported by a quotation that might have come from a student paper.

If I wanted to argue that Gandhi thought modern Western civilization was corrupt specifically because of its promotion of material greed, I might write the following:

Gandhi sees modern civilization as a threat to the Indian people because it promotes an endless cycle of selfish want. He says, "the railways, machineries and the corresponding increase of indulgent habits are the true badges of slavery of the Indian people" (p. 118). In Gandhi’s mind, such things are unnecessary because happiness is "largely a mental condition" (p. 123). For Gandhi, accordingly, if acquiring material goods will not make us happier, then the money and energy we devote to getting more things should be considered a form of slavery.


Element
Text
The
Claim

What are you trying to demonstrate?


Gandhi sees modern civilization as a threat to the Indian people because it promotes an endless cycle of selfish want

 

The Evidence

What proof do you have?
He says, "the railways, machineries and the corresponding increase of indulgent habits are the true badges of slavery of the Indian people" (p. 118). In Gandhi’s mind, such things are unnecessary because happiness is "largely a mental condition" (p. 123).


The Warrant

Why do you think that your proof is relevant to your claim?
For Gandhi, accordingly, if acquiring material goods will not make us happier, then the money and energy we devote to to getting more things should be considered a form of slavery.

Some things to note about the paragraph:

1) Note that in the sentences with quoted material, I use an introductory phrase such as "he says," or "in his mind" to introduce the quotation. The quotation is, therefore, part of my own sentence. Again, a quotation must always form part of your own sentence. It cannot stand alone.

You can't simply drop a quotation into your paper.

 

Incorrect Gandhi sees modern civilization as a threat to the Indian people because it promotes an endless cycle of selfish want. "The railways, machineries and the corresponding increase of indulgent habits are the true badges of slavery of the Indian people." (p. 118)."happiness is largely a mental condition." (p. 123).

Correct

 

 He says, "the railways, machineries and the corresponding increase of indulgent habits are the true badges of slavery of the Indian people" (p. 118). In Gandhi’s mind, such things are unnecessary because happiness is "largely a mental condition" (p. 123).

2) MOST IMPORTANTLY, note that warrant explains and interprets the quoted material in the context of my claim that I wish to support. This last sentence does NOT merely repeat the claim; instead it interprets the evidence and demonstrates how it is relevant to the claim. Look again at the warrant:

 


The Warrant

Why do you think that your proof is relevant to your claim?
For Gandhi, accordingly, if acquiring material goods will not make us happier, then the money and energy we devote to to getting more things should be considered a form of slavery.

 

 


Much of the time, your evidence will take the form of quotations. There are some easy ways to make your use of quotations more powerful in your paper. Let's look at those now.

(continue on to next page on quotations)