Which sentence demonstrates smooth integration of a quotation from Ai-jen Poo in The Age of Dignity?

• A. Ai-jen Poo states in The Age of Dignity that individuals need to "[talk] with children, parents, partners, siblings, and other relatives about how everyone envisions their life in later years—and their death" (128).
• B. Ai-jen Poo cautions, "Talking with children, parents, partners, siblings, and other relatives about how everyone envisions their life in later years—and their death—cannot start early enough" (128).
• C. "Talking with children, parents, partners, siblings, and other relatives about how everyone envisions their life in later years—and their death—cannot start early enough" discussing death and dying can sometimes be uncomfortable (128).
• D. Ai-jen Poo suggests that aging discussions should start even later in life (128).

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how to weave a quotation into your own sentence smoothly, with clear attribution and proper punctuation.

In the best example, the author introduces the quotation in a natural, grammatically seamless way: Ai-jen Poo states in The Age of Dignity that individuals need to “talk” with children, parents, partners, siblings, and other relatives about how everyone envisions their life in later years—and their death (128). The attribution “Ai-jen Poo states in The Age of Dignity that” places the source and intent before the quoted material, and the bracketed [talk] shows a small editorial adjustment to fit the quotation into the sentence without altering meaning. The citation at the end keeps the source clear.

Other options feel less smooth for one of a few reasons: they may present the quoted material as a standalone fragment without integrated context, omit clear attribution, or rely on a paraphrase rather than a direct quotation. The right approach keeps the quotation inside the sentence, preserves the author’s exact wording with minimal adjustments, and attributes it clearly, ending with the page reference.