Why should you avoid long quotes in a 20-mark response?

• A. They demonstrate strong evidence
• B. They show deep understanding
• C. They interrupt flow and waste time
• D. They are required in all exams

Answer: (C)

In a 20-mark response, long quotes slow down your argument and eat up precious time that you should be using to develop analysis and comparison. The exam is about showing how well you can interpret language, structure and imagery, make connections, and build a persuasive argument. Short, selective quotes anchor your point without overpowering your own explanation; they prove your reading without leaving you with large blocks of text to reproduce. Use concise quotes that illustrate a specific idea, then explain what those words show about meaning, tone, or technique, and how they contribute to the overall point you’re making. If you rely on long passages, you’ll have less room to demonstrate your own analysis and to discuss how the poem’s choices affect effect and context. So pick a brief, precise quotation, weave it into your sentence, and follow it with clear interpretation that links back to your argument. This approach keeps your answer fluent, well-supported, and within the time limit.