New York State Literacy CST Practice Exam

Smoothly integrating quotes means attributing them, choosing only the most relevant words, and tying them to your own analysis. Start with a signal phrase that names the source and frames its stance, so readers know who’s speaking and why it matters. Then insert a short, precise portion of the text that directly supports your point—avoid overwhelming the reader with long passages. After the quote, explain in your own words what this evidence shows, how it supports your argument, and what it reveals about the source’s view or method. This combination keeps your own voice strong while using evidence to back up your claims. If you need to include more, paraphrase the rest and explain its relevance instead of relying on lengthy quotes. The key is to make the evidence serve your argument by showing both its meaning and its significance, not just its exact wording.