Which practice is recommended when you use a direct quotation to define a concept?

• A. Drop the quote without context
• B. Use only paraphrase
• C. Introduce the quote and unpack it in your own words
• D. Quote and leave it unexplained

Answer: (C)

When you use a direct quotation to define a concept, present the quote with a brief lead-in and then unpack it in your own words. Introducing the quotation tells the reader who said it and why that definition matters, and then explaining it in your own terms shows you understand what the definition means in your argument. By paraphrasing the core idea and linking it to your point, you clarify the meaning and show how the quotation supports your claim. If you only drop in the quote without context, you miss attribution and purpose; if you rely only on paraphrase, you lose the precise definition the source provides; if you quote and leave it unexplained, you don’t demonstrate how the definition informs your analysis.