What characterizes a direct quotation in writing?

• A. It is a paraphrase of another's work
• B. It uses the exact words of someone else, offset by quotation marks
• C. It avoids quotation marks and includes summaries
• D. It combines multiple quotes into a single statement

Answer: (B)

A direct quotation in writing is characterized by the use of the precise words spoken or written by someone else, which are clearly indicated by the presence of quotation marks. This allows the author to incorporate the original speaker's or writer's exact language into their own work, lending authenticity and authority to the argument or narrative being presented. The use of quotation marks is essential, as it delineates the quoted material from the author’s original content, helping to avoid plagiarism and ensuring proper attribution. This practice is fundamental in academic and professional writing to accurately represent an individual's ideas or statements.