Final answer:
Smart quotes tilt in toward the words between them, whereas straight quotes are vertical and uniform. Proper use of quotations, including smart quotes, is essential for clear and effective writing. Smart quotes improve readability, while correct punctuation and smooth integration demonstrate professionalism and academic integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Smart quotes and straight quotes are two different styles of quotation marks used in writing. Smart quotes are also known as curly quotes, and they tilt inwards towards the quoted text. While straight quotes are the plain vertical quotation marks commonly found on keyboards. The key difference lies in their appearance; smart quotes are often preferred in printed materials because they generally look better and are what readers expect to see in published works. On the other hand, straight quotes are often used in programming and online content where the stylized quotation marks may not render correctly.
When using quotations, it is crucial to correctly punctuate them, ensuring that the quotation begins and ends with proper quotation marks. It's also important to use a signal phrase, like "Smith says" or "As Jones argues", which helps integrate the quote into your sentence. Correct use of quotations lends credibility to your work, clearly delineates your ideas from those of your sources, and helps avoid plagiarism.
To quote smoothly and correctly, one must ensure that the quotations are seamlessly integrated into the text. This means avoiding the use of floating quotations, which can confuse the reader. Instead, close blending of the quotation with your own words and grammar is necessary. Such precision in integrating quotations supports and enhances your argument or thesis, showing that you are using evidence effectively.