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When it comes to academic writing, proper citation and formatting are essential for establishing credibility and giving credit to the original sources. In the American Psychological Association (APA) style, block quotations play a significant role in presenting lengthy quotes and adding weight to your arguments. This blog post will guide you through the rules and conventions of using block quotations in APA style, 7th edition, ensuring your research papers adhere to the latest standards.

What is a Block Quotation?

A block quotation, also known as an extract or display quotation, is used when you need to include a direct quote that is longer than 40 words in APA style. Block quotations are set apart from the main text by indenting them from the left margins. By incorporating block quotes, you can highlight important information, support your claims, and demonstrate your engagement with existing literature.

Formatting Block Quotations:

To format block quotations in APA style 7th edition, follow these guidelines:

1. Indentation: Start the quotation at a new line and indent the first line of the block quotation by 0.5 inches from the left margin. This indentation helps visually separate the quote from the rest of the text. If there is more than one paragraph in the block quotation, the first line of every subsequent paragraph needs an additional indentation of 0.5 inches.  In other words, the subsequent paragraphs would be indented to 1 inch (2.54 cm). (Section 8.27 of the Publication Manual).

1. Spacing: Use double spacing throughout the block quotation. Do not add extra spaces before or after the block quotation.

1. Quotation Marks: Unlike regular quotations, block quotes do not require quotation marks. The indentation and spacing provide sufficient visual emphasis.

1. Citation: You can use in-text citation or narrative citation but in either case, do not add a period (.) after the citation. In narrative citation, add only the page number in parenthesis without a period at the end of the block quotation. After the final punctuation of the block quote, include an in-text citation in parentheses. Include the author’s last name, year of publication, and the page number(s) within the parentheses.

Mastering the use of block quotations in APA style 7th edition is crucial for effectively incorporating lengthy quotes into your research papers. Following the formatting guidelines ensures that your writing is consistent, professional, and in line with the latest APA standards. By properly utilising block quotations, you can enhance the credibility of your arguments and demonstrate your engagement with the scholarly discourse.

Remember to consult the APA Publication Manual (7th edition) for additional guidance and examples. With practice, you will become adept at using block quotations to showcase important research and provide valuable support to your academic writing.