What role do quotations play in an academic paper?

Quotations play a crucial role in an academic paper by providing evidence and support for the arguments made within the text. When you include a quote from a credible source, it serves to validate your claims and adds weight to your reasoning. By integrating quotations, the author acknowledges the work of other scholars and enhances the reliability of their own arguments, making them more persuasive to the reader. This use of quotations demonstrates thorough research and an understanding of the topic, allowing the writer to engage effectively with existing literature.

The intent of including quotations is to strengthen the argument, not merely to embellish the text or to fill space. They are not reflections of personal opinion, nor are they used as mere decorations. Instead, they are integral components that enhance the scholarly conversation around a topic.