How do I incorporate critical quotes into my essay?

When trying to improve your use of critical quotations in your exam and coursework essays, try to think of them as integral to your essay as opposed to an accessory or afterthought. Instead of being ANOTHER thing that you need to remember for the exam, critical opinions are really useful, immediately boosting your marks in just a few sentences. Here are some outlines of how I approached critics:My point + my evidence (a quote, a moment, a paraphrase) + how this aligns with the view of an expert on the text --> explanation of how this answers the essay question.My point + my evidence (a quote, a moment, a paraphrase) + how this contradicts with a critic’s opinion --> why this is important to answering the question.Critics can be used to spark your own ideas or allow to explore a point in more depth and so you gain marks not only through your use of their opinions but in how you have engaged with them.