This technique is used when the original wording is essential to understanding exact meaning, or otherwise interesting. That said, the author may be an expert or a key-figure in his/her area of expertise; therefore, he or she is quoted to avoid the possibility of misunderstanding.
[header] How to take notes for your research paper [title] Report what an author has said. [step] Quote the material verbatim, that is, word by word. Direct quotations reproduce an author's exact words.