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Quotation Marks – Quiz 1
Quotation Marks Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the proper use of quotation marks and punctuation rules in English grammar, including direct quotations, reported speech, and non-restrictive clauses. It tests understanding of exact wording, capitalization, and comma usage for clarity.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Why is it important to use quotation marks in writing?
A) To separate paragraphs.
B) To indicate a new topic.
C) To make sentences longer.
D) To show the exact words spoken by someone.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Quotation marks are used to indicate that you are using the exact words spoken by someone, as this is their primary function in writing. This ensures clarity and accuracy when reporting speech or quoting others.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Separating paragraphs is typically done with indentation or blank lines, not quotation marks.
Option B:
Indicating a new topic can be done through headings or transitions, but not by using quotation marks.
Option C:
Quotation marks do not make sentences longer; they serve to denote specific text as quoted speech or exact wording.
Option D:
Correct. Quotation marks are used to show the exact words spoken by someone, ensuring that the original speaker's intent and phrasing is preserved.
2.
Is the following sentence punctuated correctly?Mason asked his friend, "Do you have a pencil that I can borrow?"
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence is correctly punctuated according to the rules of using quotation marks in English grammar. The question within the quotation marks starts with a lowercase letter because it is an indirect question (Mason asked his friend) followed by a direct question. The period outside the closing quotation mark is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
True. Correct punctuation as described.
Option B:
False. Incorrect, sentence is properly punctuated.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect, only one option can be true in this case.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect, Option A is correct.
3.
What should you do if a direct quotation is interrupted by a speaker's tag?
A) Use quotation marks around each part of the quotation.
B) Only use quotation marks at the beginning.
C) Do not use quotation marks at all.
D) Use single quotation marks.
Show Answer
Explanations:
When a direct quotation is interrupted by a speaker's tag, it means the quote is split into two parts with an attribution in between. In such cases, you should use quotation marks around each part of the quotation to clearly indicate that these are separate segments of the same quote.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Use quotation marks around each part of the quotation.
Option B:
Incorrect. Only using quotation marks at the beginning would not properly denote the end and start of the interrupted parts.
Option C:
Incorrect. Not using quotation marks at all would make it unclear that these are separate segments of a quote.
Option D:
Incorrect. Single quotation marks are not typically used for this purpose in standard English grammar rules.
4.
If you are quoting someone and omit words in the middle of their sentence, what should you use?
A) Ellipses.
B) Dashes.
C) Parentheses.
D) Brackets.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Ellipses (... ) are used to indicate omitted words within a quoted sentence, showing that part of the original quotation has been left out while maintaining the flow and meaning of the quote.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Ellipses are appropriate for omitting parts of a quoted sentence.
Option B:
Dashes (—) are used to introduce or interrupt a sentence, not for omitted words within quotes.
Option C:
Parentheses (( )) are used for additional information or clarification, not for omitting parts of a quote.
Option D:
Brackets [ ] are sometimes used in citations to add explanatory notes but not for omitting words within quotes directly.
5.
If you are omitting words at the end of a sentence in a quote, which of the following is correct?
A) "She left the room.".
B) "She left the room ".
C) "She left the room ".
D) "She left the room ".
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it properly indicates the omission of words at the end of a sentence using an ellipsis (...). The trailing spaces are unnecessary and can be omitted, making Option B the most concise and grammatically appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as no indication of omitted text is provided.
Option B:
Correct use of an ellipsis to indicate omitted words at the end of a sentence.
Option C:
Same error as Option B, with unnecessary trailing spaces.
Option D:
Same error as Option B, with unnecessary trailing spaces.
6.
Emma is writing a dialogue for her English class. Which of the following shows the correct capitalization in a direct quotation?
A) "of Course I will, " Mr. Hayakawa answered.
B) "of course I will, " Mr. Hayakawa answered.
C) "Of course i will, " Mr. Hayakawa answered.
D) "Of course I will, " Mr. Hayakawa answered.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) "Of course I will, " Mr. Hayakawa answered.
In a direct quotation, the first word of the quoted speech should be capitalized, and this rule applies even if it follows a comma.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because "of" is not capitalized despite being the first word after a comma in the quote.
Option B:
Incorrect for the same reason as Option A; "of" should be capitalized.
Option C:
Incorrect due to capitalizing "Of" unnecessarily, which would only be appropriate if it were the first word of the entire sentence, not just the quote.
Option D:
Correct as it properly capitalizes "Of" and follows all other rules for direct quotations.
7.
Which of the following is correct when quoting a complete sentence?
A) Begin the quotation with a capital letter.
B) Begin the quotation with a lowercase letter.
C) Place the period outside the quotation marks.
D) Do not use quotation marks.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because when quoting a complete sentence, the first word of the quoted material should be capitalized to indicate the start of a new sentence within the quotation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The first word in a complete sentence quote must be capitalized.
Option B:
Incorrect. Quotations of complete sentences should begin with a capital letter, not a lowercase one.
Option C:
Incorrect. Periods should be placed inside the quotation marks for complete sentences in American English; British English may place it outside.
Option D:
Incorrect. Quotation marks are necessary to indicate direct speech or quoted text.
8.
If the explanatory phrase comes after the quotation, where should the comma be placed?
A) At the beginning of the sentence.
B) After the explanatory phrase.
C) Inside the quotation marks.
D) Before the quotation marks.
Show Answer
Explanations:
When the explanatory phrase follows a quotation, it is placed inside the quotation marks because the entire quoted material, including the explanatory words, is considered part of the direct speech or text being cited.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Commas are not used at the beginning of sentences for this rule.
Option B:
Correct. The comma should be placed inside the quotation marks to indicate that the explanatory phrase is part of the quoted material.
Option C:
Incorrect. Quotation marks, not commas, are used to denote the end of a direct quote when an explanatory phrase follows it.
Option D:
Incorrect. Commas are not placed before quotation marks in this context.
9.
When should you place the question mark or exclamation point outside the quotation marks?
A) Always.
B) Only if it is part of the entire sentence and not the quotation.
C) Never.
D) Only for exclamation points.
Show Answer
Explanations:
When a question mark or exclamation point is part of the entire sentence and not just the quoted material, it should be placed outside the quotation marks. This rule ensures clarity in understanding whether the punctuation applies to the quoted content alone or the whole sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Always - Incorrect; this would imply that question marks and exclamation points are always outside, which is not true.
Option B:
Only if it is part of the entire sentence and not the quotation. - Correct; this aligns with standard punctuation rules for quotations.
Option C:
Never - Incorrect; there are instances where punctuation should be inside quotation marks, such as when the quoted material ends with a question or exclamation.
Option D:
Only for exclamation points. - Incorrect; this would exclude question marks from following the rule of placement based on sentence structure.
10.
Are ellipses generally used at the beginning of a quote, even if words are omitted?
A) Yes, always.
B) Only for long quotes.
C) No, generally not.
D) Only for poems.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Ellipses are typically used within a quote to indicate omitted parts of the original text, not at the beginning. This usage is consistent whether the quote is long or short and applies across various types of writing, including prose and poetry.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Ellipses are generally placed within quotes, not at the start.
Option B:
Incorrect. The placement is not specific to long quotes only.
Option C:
Correct. Ellipses are typically used inside quotes for omitted parts.
Option D:
Incorrect. Placement is unrelated to the type of text (poems vs prose).
11.
How should you indicate a change or clarification within a direct quotation?
A) Use dashes.
B) Use parentheses.
C) Use brackets.
D) Use ellipses.
Show Answer
Explanations:
When indicating a change or clarification within a direct quotation, brackets [ ] should be used. This method allows you to add information that was not originally in the quote but is necessary for context without altering the original wording of the quote.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Dashes are typically used to indicate omitted parts or a pause, not changes or clarifications.
Option B:
Parentheses can be confusing as they might imply that the added information is part of the original quote. They should only be used for direct authorial parentheticals within the text being quoted.
Option C:
Correct use of brackets to indicate changes or additions to a quotation without altering its original wording.
Option D:
Ellipses are used to show omitted parts of a quote, not to add information or make clarifications.
12.
Where should all punctuation marks that belong to the direct quotation itself be placed?
A) Outside the quotation marks.
B) After the sentence.
C) Inside the quotation marks.
D) Before the quotation marks.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Punctuation marks that belong to the direct quotation itself should be placed inside the quotation marks. This is because these punctuation marks are part of the quoted material and not part of the surrounding sentence. For example, if a quote ends with a period or comma, it goes inside the closing quotation mark.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Punctuation that belongs to the quoted text should be placed inside the quotation marks.
Option B:
Incorrect. Periods and commas typically stay within the quotation marks if they are part of the quote itself.
Option C:
Correct. This is the standard rule for placing punctuation that belongs to the quoted text.
Option D:
Incorrect. Punctuation related to the direct quote should not be placed before the quotation marks.
13.
When should a comma be placed before the quotation mark?
A) When the explanatory phrase is at the beginning of the sentence.
B) When the explanatory phrase is at the end of the sentence.
C) When the quotation is a question.
D) When the quotation is a command.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Comma placement before a quotation mark is typically used when an explanatory phrase precedes the quoted material, indicating that the quote follows this introduction. This rule aligns with Option A: When the explanatory phrase is at the beginning of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Use a comma before the quotation mark when an introductory phrase or clause precedes the quoted material.
Option B:
Incorrect. No comma is needed if the explanatory phrase follows the quote.
Option C:
Incorrect. Quotation marks for questions do not require commas in this specific context unless there's an introductory phrase.
Option D:
Incorrect. Commands are typically followed by a period, and no comma is needed before the quotation mark.
14.
Which punctuation mark should be used to separate a direct quotation from the rest of the sentence?
A) Colon.
B) Semicolon.
C) Hyphen.
D) Comma, question mark, or exclamation point.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct punctuation mark to separate a direct quotation from the rest of the sentence is typically a comma, question mark, or exclamation point. This rule applies when the quoted material is integrated into the flow of the sentence and does not stand alone as a complete statement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Colon - Incorrect. Colons are used to introduce lists, definitions, or explanations, not to separate quotations.
Option B:
Semicolon - Incorrect. Semicolons are used to connect independent clauses; they do not separate quotations from the rest of a sentence.
Option C:
Hyphen - Incorrect. Hyphens are used for compound words or to indicate a break in a word, not to separate quotations.
Option D:
Comma, question mark, or exclamation point - Correct. These punctuation marks properly integrate direct quotations into the sentence structure.
15.
What is the correct way to punctuate a quotation within a quotation?
A) Use double quotation marks inside single quotation marks.
B) Use single quotation marks inside double quotation marks.
C) Do not use any quotation marks.
D) Use only single quotation marks.
Show Answer
Explanations:
When a quotation is embedded within another quotation, the inner quotation should be marked with single quotation marks while the outer one uses double quotation marks. This practice helps to distinguish between the two levels of quotations and improves readability.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it suggests using double quotation marks for both, which would not differentiate between the levels.
Option B:
Correct; single quotation marks inside double quotation marks properly distinguish the nested quotations.
Option C:
Incorrect; omitting quotation marks entirely would lead to confusion in text where direct speech or quoted material is present.
Option D:
Incorrect; using only single quotation marks would not provide the necessary distinction between the outer and inner quotations.
16.
Does the following sentence contain dialogue?My mom said, "You need to get going!"
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence contains dialogue because it includes a spoken statement enclosed in quotation marks, indicating that someone is speaking.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence does contain dialogue as defined by the presence of speech enclosed in quotation marks.
Option B:
Incorrect. The sentence clearly contains a spoken statement within quotation marks, which is considered dialogue.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests all options are correct, but only Option A is accurate based on the given context.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the provided options (Option A).
17.
Is the following sentence punctuated correctly?"Your practice has been cancelled today." Mom told Hunter.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence is missing the necessary use of quotation marks to properly enclose the dialogue. According to English grammar rules, direct speech should be enclosed in quotation marks (" "). The correct punctuation would be: "Your practice has been cancelled today." Mom told Hunter.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because the sentence is not punctuated correctly.
Option B:
Correct as the sentence lacks proper quotation marks for direct speech.
Option C:
Incorrect because only one option is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect because there is a correct answer among the options provided.
18.
The following sentence contains dialogueMy mom says that we should probably get going.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "My mom says that we should probably get going." contains dialogue, specifically a reported speech embedded within a statement. Therefore, the claim that it does not contain dialogue is incorrect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as the sentence does contain dialogue.
Option B:
Correct because the sentence contains dialogue and thus the statement "False" is accurate.
Option C:
Incorrect since only one option can be correct.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a correct answer among the options provided.
19.
How does the use of quotation marks help the reader?
A) It shortens the sentences.
B) It clarifies which words are spoken by someone else.
C) It changes the meaning of the words.
D) It makes the text look more interesting.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Quotation marks are used to indicate that certain words are being quoted from another source, spoken by someone else, or emphasized in a special way. This helps the reader understand the context and origin of the words.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
It shortens the sentences. - Incorrect. Quotation marks do not affect sentence length.
Option B:
It clarifies which words are spoken by someone else. - Correct. This is one of the primary functions of quotation marks.
Option C:
It changes the meaning of the words. - Incorrect. Quotation marks do not alter the inherent meaning of words; they provide context about their use.
Option D:
It makes the text look more interesting. - Incorrect. While quotation marks can add visual interest, this is not their main function in writing.
20.
Identify the error in the sentence below."I hit three home runs", bragged Teddy, "and stole seven bases."
A) There should not be a comma after Teddy.
B) The comma after runs" should be inside the quotation marks.
C) The word and should be capitalized.
D) There should not be any quotation marks before and.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) The comma after runs" should be inside the quotation marks.
In American English, when a speaker tag (like "bragged Teddy") follows a direct speech, the closing punctuation of the speech (in this case, the comma and period) goes outside the quotation marks. However, if the speaker tag precedes the quote, as in "I hit three home runs," Teddy bragged, the comma would go inside the quotation marks.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; the placement of commas and periods relative to quotation marks is about their position within or outside, not about their presence.
Option B:
Correct; in American English, the comma after "runs" should be inside the closing quotation mark.
Option C:
Incorrect; there's no rule that requires capitalizing "and." It is a conjunction and remains lowercase unless it starts a sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect; the placement of opening quotation marks has nothing to do with where Teddy’s statement begins or ends in relation to the rest of the sentence.
21.
When you write a quote, you copy the words exactly.
A) Correct.
B) Incorrect.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
When writing a quote, it is essential to copy the exact words of the original source, including any punctuation that appears within the quoted material. This practice ensures accuracy and integrity in conveying the author's intended message without misinterpretation or alteration.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Copying words exactly when quoting is a fundamental rule of English grammar.
Option B:
Incorrect. This option contradicts the basic principle of accurate quotation.
Option C:
All the above. Not applicable as Option B is incorrect and does not align with proper quotation practices.
Option D:
None of the above. Not applicable since Option A accurately describes the correct practice of quoting.
22.
Which sentence has correct punctuation? Read carefully!
A) Gaga ball is my favorite exclaimed Alex.
B) "Gaga ball is my favorite exclaimed Alex.".
C) "Gaga ball is my favorite?" exclaimed Alex.
D) "Gaga ball is my favorite!" exclaimed Alex.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D is correct because it properly uses both quotation marks to enclose the exact words spoken by Alex and an exclamation mark to indicate the exclamatory nature of the statement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The sentence lacks quotation marks, which are necessary to show that Alex is speaking.
Option B:
Incorrect. While it includes quotation marks and an exclamation mark, the placement of the period after "Alex" is wrong; it should be before the closing quotation mark.
Option C:
Incorrect. The question mark indicates a question, but Alex's statement is an exclamation, not a question.
Option D:
Correct. It uses quotation marks to indicate direct speech and an exclamation mark to show the exclamatory nature of the statement.
23.
In direct speech, where should the full stop be placed when the sentence ends with a quotation?
A) After the quotation marks.
B) Outside the quotation marks.
C) Inside the quotation marks.
D) Before the quotation marks.
Show Answer
Explanations:
When a sentence ends with a quotation, the full stop should be placed inside the quotation marks. This is because the period indicates the end of the quoted material and also signifies the end of the entire sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The full stop does not go after the quotation marks.
Option B:
Correct. The full stop should be outside the quotation marks when the quoted material is part of a larger sentence, but inside for direct speech ending a sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. The full stop does not go inside the quotation marks in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. The full stop should be outside before the quotation marks if it is part of a larger sentence, but inside for direct speech ending a sentence.
24.
Known as an interrogation point or interrogation mark, is a punctuation mark that is used to indicate that a sentence is a question is that right?
A) No.
B) Yes.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The claimed correct answer is A) No, because the question mark (not quotation marks) is used to indicate that a sentence is a question in English grammar. Quotation marks are primarily used for indicating direct speech or quotations from sources.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Question marks, not quotation marks, denote questions.
Option B:
Incorrect. Question marks, not quotation marks, denote questions.
Option C:
Incorrect. Question marks, not quotation marks, denote questions.
Option D:
Incorrect. Question marks, not quotation marks, denote questions.
25.
Choose the phrase that best completes the sentence, using a colon to introduce the quote:My dad gave me one important piece of advice .....
A) . "Always be kind.".
B) "Always be kind.".
C) : "Always be kind.".
D) , "Always be kind.".
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) : "Always be kind." because a colon (:) should be used to introduce a quote in a sentence, and it must directly precede the quotation marks.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Period (. ) is used at the end of a sentence, not to introduce a quote.
Option B:
Incorrect. Quotation marks are placed after the period and before the closing quotation mark.
Option C:
Correct. A colon (:) introduces the quote directly.
Option D:
Incorrect. Comma (, ) is used to separate elements in a list or clauses, not to introduce a quote.
26.
Look at the description in parenthesis. Choose the correct format.Dayton Daily News (newspaper)
A) Italics or underlining.
B) Quotation marks.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Italics or underlining are used to emphasize words or titles in text, including newspaper names. Quotation marks are typically reserved for indicating direct speech or specific terms that require emphasis within the context of a sentence. Therefore, the correct format for emphasizing "Dayton Daily News" as a newspaper title is
italics
or
underlining
.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Newspapers are often italicized or underlined to distinguish them from regular text.
Option B:
Incorrect. Quotation marks are not used for newspaper titles in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option is not applicable here as only A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
27.
Which quotation is written correctly?
A) "Lisa said she enjoyed the movie, "Dad told me.
B) "Lisa said she enjoyed the movie, "Dad told, me.
C) "Lisa said she enjoyed the movie" Dad told, me.
D) "Lisa said she enjoyed the movie" Dad, told me.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is Option A: "Lisa said she enjoyed the movie, 'Dad told me.'"
This option uses quotation marks correctly to indicate that Dad's statement is a direct quote from Lisa. The inner quotation marks are used for Dad’s words, and the outer ones enclose the entire sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct use of quotation marks.
Option B:
Incorrect placement of comma; it should be outside the closing quotation mark.
Option C:
Missing comma after "movie"; incorrect placement of period and comma.
Option D:
Missing comma after "movie" and misplaced period.
28.
Complete the sentence: "Let's go now, " ..... Mark, "before it gets too late."
A) Suggest.
B) Suggested.
C) Suggest.
D) Suggested.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Suggested.
The sentence "Let's go now, suggested Mark, before it gets too late." uses the past participle form of the verb 'suggest' to indicate a suggestion that was made in the past. This fits grammatically and contextually with the rest of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as "Suggest" is not in its correct form for this context.
Option B:
Correct as it uses the past participle 'suggested' to indicate a suggestion made in the past.
Option C:
Incorrect as "Suggest" is not in its correct form for this context.
Option D:
Incorrect as "Suggested" is needed here, not the past tense form.
29.
Quotation Marks show exact words that are said by someone.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Quotation marks are used to indicate that the words enclosed within them are exact words spoken by someone, as opposed to your own words or a paraphrase. This is a fundamental rule in English grammar and punctuation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Quotation marks indeed show exact words said by someone.
Option B:
Incorrect. Quotation marks do not indicate any other meaning than the exact words spoken or written.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
30.
Let's dive into the world of commas with Anika! Identify the sentence that correctly uses commas to set off a non-restrictive clause.
A) My brother, who is a doctor lives in Boston.
B) My brother who is a doctor, lives in Boston.
C) My brother who is a doctor lives in Boston.
D) My brother, who is a doctor, lives in Boston.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D correctly uses commas to set off a non-restrictive clause. The phrase "who is a doctor" provides additional information about the brother but is not essential to identifying which brother is being referred to. Therefore, it should be set off by commas.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Commas are correctly placed.
Option B:
No comma before "who is a doctor" is incorrect; this clause needs to be set off for clarity.
Option C:
No commas around the non-restrictive clause, making it unclear and grammatically incorrect.
Option D:
Correct use of commas to set off the non-restrictive clause "who is a doctor."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are direct quotations and how do quotation marks help in their usage?
Direct quotations involve using the exact words of a speaker or writer. Quotation marks around these words clearly indicate that they are not your own thoughts but a precise reproduction of someone else's, ensuring clarity and accuracy in communication.
How do you handle interruptions within a direct quotation?
When a speaker is interrupted during a quote, you can indicate this by using an ellipsis (...). This shows that the original speech was not completed as written. For example: "I was going to say that... but then I changed my mind."
Can quotation marks be used for newspaper titles?
Yes, quotation marks are often used to denote the title of a newspaper or magazine. For instance, you might write: "The New York Times" or "National Geographic." This practice helps distinguish between the publication and other uses of its name.
What is the correct way to use quotation marks with reported speech?
In reported speech, you typically do not use quotation marks. Instead, you report what someone said using your own words and introduce it with a reporting verb like "said" or "reported." For example: She said that she would come to the meeting.
How do quotation marks interact with colons in writing?
Quotation marks often follow a colon when introducing a direct quote. For example: "Please read the following statement:" and then you would place the quote within the quotation marks. This structure helps to clearly delineate between your text and the exact words being quoted.