What Is The ICE Method?
The ICE method is an invaluable tool for integrating quotes into your writing, ensuring that they add value and clarity to your argument or analysis.
This technique stands for Introduce, Cite, and Explain. It guides the process of incorporating evidence from external sources, such as books, articles, or other texts, to support your claims.
NOTE: Once you’ve written a few sentences that effectively introduce, cite, and explain a particular piece of evidence, you’ll have constructed a quote structure, a term we will use in this class to describe this writing method.
The ICE Method In Action
The ICE Method is pivotal in weaving quotes seamlessly into your writing, ensuring they are effectively introduced, properly cited, and thoroughly explained.
To illustrate the ICE method—Introduce, Cite, and Explain—we will discuss a section of an imaginary paragraph – a quote structure – from an academic essay, to serve as our example:
In the discussion of environmental conservation, the book How To Fight Pollution highlights the importance of sustainable practices, stating, “Effective waste management and recycling processes are essential for reducing our ecological footprint” (Darby 58). This assertion underscores the critical need for societies to adopt more conscientious waste disposal methods. By focusing on recycling and waste management, we can significantly mitigate the impact of human activities on the planet.
Introduce
The introduction of a quote structure sets the stage for the evidence, providing context about the source or the situation that will be referenced during the Cite step. This step is necessary so a reader will understand how the cited information fits into the discussion or argument. The primary job of the Introduce step is to signal to the reader that external information is about to be presented, like so:
In the discussion of environmental conservation, the book How To Fight Pollution highlights the importance of sustainable practices, stating, “Effective waste management and recycling processes are essential for reducing our ecological footprint” (Darby 58). This assertion underscores the critical need for societies to adopt more conscientious waste disposal methods. By focusing on recycling and waste management, we can significantly mitigate the impact of human activities on the planet.
In our example, the introduction is: “In the discussion of environmental conservation, the book How To Fight Pollution highlights the importance of sustainable practices, stating…” This sentence prepares the reader for the forthcoming quote by establishing the topic (environmental conservation) and the author’s perspective on sustainable practices.
Note: since the primary role of the Introduce step is to signal that externally-sourced information is about to be presented, it should always include mention of an author or publication.
Cite
The Cite step is made up of two parts. First the writer specifically quotes or paraphrases externally-sourced information. Second, he or she tags that information so that readers can easily locate the original source on the Works Cited page. This tagging is accomplished through the use of an ITC (check the Lecture Notes: MLA In-Text Citations (ITCs) page for more information about ITCs). Here’s the Cite step is bolded:
In the discussion of environmental conservation, the book How To Fight Pollution highlights the importance of sustainable practices, stating, “Effective waste management and recycling processes are essential for reducing our ecological footprint” (Darby 58). This assertion underscores the critical need for societies to adopt more conscientious waste disposal methods. By focusing on recycling and waste management, we can significantly mitigate the impact of human activities on the planet.
In this example, the quoted information is included as follows: “Effective waste management and recycling processes are essential for reducing our ecological footprint.” Following the quoted info, the author adds “(Darby 58).” This is the ITC and includes the author’s last name and the page number where the quote can be found. Since ITCs come in many forms, they are covered in greater depth on the Lecture Notes: MLA In-Text Citations (ITCs) page.
Note: the Cite step ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS includes an ITC in MLA format (this is the parentheses and info inside).
Explain
Finally, the Explain step is where the writer unpacks the quote’s significance in relation to their discussion or argument. If this step is missing or not included, then the reader must figure out why the presented evidence is important, and the reader’s conclusion may differ significantly from what the writer intends. Here, the Explain step is bolded:
In the discussion of environmental conservation, the book How To Fight Pollution highlights the importance of sustainable practices, stating, “Effective waste management and recycling processes are essential for reducing our ecological footprint” (Darby 58). This assertion underscores the critical need for societies to adopt more conscientious waste disposal methods. By focusing on recycling and waste management, we can significantly mitigate the impact of human activities on the planet.
The writer’s explanation interprets the quoted information and connects it back to the broader discussion on environmental conservation, emphasizing the importance of the quote’s message and its implications for societal practices.
Two Quote Structure Types
In academic writing, quote structures come in two main forms: short quote structures and long (block) quote structures.
Both types serve distinct purposes but should always use the ICE Method—Introduce, Cite, Explain—to ensure clarity and coherence.
Short quote structures occur when the quoted or paraphrased information is embedded directly within a paragraph, allowing for concise support of an argument, while the quote used in long quote structures is formatted as a separate block of text to present more extensive evidence or analysis. Regardless of length, properly structured quote structures strengthen arguments and maintain the flow of writing by seamlessly integrating source material into the discussion.
Short Quote Structure
Short quote structures include less than four lines of prose or three lines of poetry and should be incorporated directly into paragraphs. Short quote structures are useful for quickly emphasizing specific points or pieces of evidence without interrupting the flow of the discussion or argument.
Example:
The importance of early diagnosis in medical treatment is widely acknowledged. As one bystander observes in Patel’s study, “Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes” (Patel 78). This statement underscores the necessity of regular screenings and proactive healthcare measures, reinforcing the argument that access to early testing can lead to better survival rates and overall health outcomes.
Long Quote Structure (Block Quote Structure)
Long quote structures, also called block quote structures, are those that use a direct quote that exceed four lines of prose or three lines of poetry. Instead of being paraphrased or enclosed in quotation marks, the quoted text should be formatted as a separate, indented block of text one half inch from the left margin. A long quote structure is used when a more extended excerpt is necessary to convey a complex idea or provide a broader context for analysis.
Example:
…science. In her recent book, Nguyen offers a profound insight into the changing nature of human interaction in the digital age. She highlights the increasing challenges of maintaining personal privacy, stating:
In the realm of digital communication, the boundaries between personal and public spaces have become increasingly blurred. This shift has not only transformed how we interact with one another but has also raised significant concerns regarding privacy, authenticity, and the very nature of human connection. As we navigate through this complex web of digital interactions, the challenge lies in preserving our essential humanity amidst the ceaseless flow of information and virtual exchanges. (Nguyen 243)
Nguyen’s argument suggests that digital spaces, while expanding communication opportunities, also introduce ethical and emotional dilemmas. This supports the broader discussion of how modern technology influences human relationships, making it clear that individuals must be mindful of their digital presence and the implications of online interactions.
Conclusion
By following the ICE method, writers can ensure that externally-sourced information serves a clear purpose in their writing, enhancing their discussion or argument’s overall coherence and persuasiveness.