When should you use a direct quotation rather than paraphrase?

• A. When exact wording is essential
• B. When words are not essential and you want clarity
• C. When you want to summarize
• D. When you want to avoid sources entirely

Answer: (A)

Direct quotation is the right choice when exact wording is essential to preserve the original meaning, emphasis, or nuance. If a passage contains a precise definition, a technical term, legal wording, or a famous statement where changing the wording could alter the meaning or tone, you should reproduce the words exactly and cite the source. This keeps the author’s voice intact and provides solid, authentic support for your point. In other situations, you can convey the idea by paraphrasing or summarizing, which lets you integrate the material into your own sentence structure and focus on your analysis. And remember, quotes still require proper attribution.