Final answer:
Direct quotations are included in writing to clarify or emphasize points, represent opinions or ideas, and show a diversity of opinion. They should be presented with analysis and explanation, ensuring that the author's voice is not overshadowed by the quoted material.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several acceptable reasons to include direct quotations in one's writing. Firstly, direct quotations are utilized to clarify or emphasize a point that the writer is trying to make. For example, if a writer states that a public figure gave a disastrous interview, it is effective to include a quotation from the interview to illustrate what made it disastrous.
Secondly, quotations can serve as a representative statement of an opinion or idea. Quotations help in presenting a point supported by the credibility of the source. They are particularly useful when the wording of the source material is so distinctive or expressed in such a unique way that paraphrasing would not convey the same meaning or emphasis.
Thirdly, quotations are used to show diversity of opinion, allowing the writer to present different viewpoints on a subject directly from the sources, ensuring that the reader receives a well-rounded perspective on the issue discussed in the writing.
Lastly, direct quotations are not typically used to present fictional stories unless they are being analyzed or critiqued within the context of an essay or review. However, when writers respond to fictional texts, they also use direct quotations to provide factual evidence for claims or to showcase the language style of the literature being discussed. It's important always to analyze and explain your quotations; they should not stand alone or drown out the author's own voice.