When should a student writing a research-based paper directly quote a research text instead of paraphrasing or summarizing it?

Question

when the words quoted are specific and unique
when the person quoted is an expert in his or her field
when a paragraph does not yet have a direct quote
when a summary or paraphrase would take too long to write

Answer 1

A student writing a research-based paper should directly quote a research text instead of paraphrasing or summarizing it in the following circumstances:

1. When the words quoted are specific and unique: If the original wording is particularly eloquent, impactful, or an established phrase that carries significant meaning, quoting it directly preserves the original intent and tone.

2. When the person quoted is an expert in his or her field: If the quoted material comes from a recognized expert, directly quoting their words can strengthen the argument or lend credibility to the paper.

The other options—quoting simply to fill space (like when a paragraph does not yet have a quote) or because a summary or paraphrase would take too long—are not valid reasons for using direct quotes. The choice to quote should be based on the content and significance of the material rather than structural needs or convenience.