Introducing Evidence, Source Information, and Quotations – MLA for Novels
Person-related lead-ins:
Person’s name followed by a present-tense verb (the person can be the author (which is most common), a narrator, a
character, etc., depending on who is talking):
Here are just a few:
mentions
states
reveals
claims
explains
believes
allows
utters
critiques
asserts
demands
urges
requests
recalls
begins
remembers
explicates
declares
offers
describes
posits
argues
proves
presents
articulates
holds
contends
focuses
notes
Example: In his letter, Nash declares, “We need to contend for our rights, stand our ground, and feel the love of liberty
that can never be found in your America” (Phillips 61).
Time-related lead-ins:
Describe what is occurring at the time; these are words that begin introductory phrases, which means you need a comma.
When
As
During
Since
Before
Once
After
While
Example: As Edward sang after his friend’s death, his audiences’ “hearts began to swell with the pity that one feels for a
fellow being who has lost both his way and his sense of purpose” (Phillips 70).
Colon-related lead-ins (these should not be used too commonly):
Provide a complete sentence, explaining who is talking and what is being discussed, and place a colon after the sentence.
James then explains his negative reaction to the passengers that are on board his ship: “I too must confess to deep feelings
of revulsion, but hatred is a word altogether too fierce to describe my natural passions” (Phillips 119).
Imbedded Quotations:
Integrate the central portion of the quotation with your own words.
James realizes that his father “cultivated a passionate hatred” toward those he was responsible for (Phillips 119).
Words Typically Used in Interpretation
seems
proves
shows
suggests
The fact that
gives the impression
indicates
implies
illustrates
demonstrates
One can infer that
brings to mind
confirms
verifies
establishes
Verbs Used in Rhetorical Analysis
The author includes ______________ to show
The author’s use of _______________ demonstrates
The author uses __________________ to highlight
stresses
emphasizes
The author incorporates ____________ to illustrate
The author employs______________ to prove
© Jalaine Weller, 2015.