Final answer:
Quotation marks ("") are commonly used to quote the exact words from spoken or written language, and they are essential to clearly indicate quoted material in writing. Brackets and ellipses are used for modifications and omissions within quotations, respectively. The correct answer is option C).
Step-by-step explanation:
The punctuation commonly used to quote the exact words from spoken or written language is C) Quotation marks. Quotation marks ("") are used to indicate where a quotation begins and ends, separating the quoted text from the rest of the writing, which helps to avoid plagiarism. For instance, Smith's assertion can be quoted in a research essay as follows: Smith shows us the importance of good time management skills when she says, "90% of A and B students begin their essays at least two weeks before they are due." It is crucial to remember to place periods and commas that belong to the quotation inside the quotation marks.
Quotation marks are also essential in preventing miscommunication by ensuring that the original context of the spoken or written words is maintained. However, it is important to note that brackets [] are used to indicate any changes you've made to the original text, and ellipses (...) signify that parts have been omitted for brevity. It is about striking the right balance between quoting directly where necessary to preserve the author's original meaning and paraphrasing when appropriate.