Final answer:
Using direct quotes in an essay means incorporating another author's exact words with quotation marks and crediting the source with proper citations. While direct quotes can add authority, the majority of the essay should reflect the writer's own analysis. Both quotes and paraphrases require accurate citations to avoid plagiarism.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you incorporate information you learned through research into your essay, and if you maintain the same language the original author used, it is true that you need to use quotation marks around that language. This practice indicates to the reader that the words are taken verbatim from another source, and you must also credit the source with an in-text citation and a reference or works cited entry according to the guidelines of the citation style you are following (such as MLA, APA, or Chicago).
When you use a direct quote, it's because the author's original expression is particularly insightful, precise, or might lend an authoritative voice to your paper. However, it's important to strike a balance between quoted material and your own analysis, aiming for a healthy ratio that ensures the majority of your essay consists of your own original thoughts and interpretations.
Even when paraphrasing or summarizing, where you reframe the source's ideas in your own words, proper citation is still required to credit the original author and avoid plagiarism. Remember, accurate and diligent note-taking during your research process can help you to keep track of sources and simplify the citation process when drafting your paper.