Which line is a direct quotation from an external source?
A. “This is quite clearly mid-range pottery, simple earthenware of a sort that many quite modest British households were then able to afford.” B. “But the owners of this particular set must have had serious social aspirations, because all three pieces have been decorated with a drape of lacy hallmarked silver.” C. “The historian Celina Fox explains that tea-time had become a very smart event . . .” D. “In the 1840s the Duchess of Bedford introduces the ritual of afternoon tea, because by this time dinner had become so late, seven-thirty to eight o’clock . . .”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C: “The historian Celina Fox explains that tea-time had become a very smart event . . .”
Explanation:
A direct quotation is defined as the verbatim repetition of someone else’s spoken or written words. In this case, option C explicitly attributes the statement to a specific person, Celina Fox, who is identified as a historian. The phrase “explains that tea-time had become a very smart event” indicates that this is a paraphrase or interpretation of her work, but it is directly cited and provides the source of the information.
Let’s analyze the other options to clarify why they are not direct quotations:
- A: This statement appears to present an analysis or description of mid-range pottery without attributing it to a specific source. Although it may reflect the ideas of a particular author, it lacks the quotation marks and attribution that would identify it as a direct quote.
- B: Similar to A, this line provides information about the owners of a pottery set but does not attribute it to a specific source or person. It reads more like a narrative observation than a direct quotation.
- D: While this line provides specific historical information about the Duchess of Bedford and the introduction of afternoon tea, it lacks quotation marks. It appears to summarize historical events rather than quoting a source directly.
In summary, option C stands out as the only line that quotes a specific individual directly, providing a clear reference to Celina Fox and her insights about tea-time. This distinction is essential in academic writing, as it gives credit to the original author and maintains the integrity of the quoted material.