A quotation mark is a punctuation symbol used to indicate the beginning and end of a direct quote, which is the exact words spoken or written by someone. Quotation marks are typically represented as double (“ ”) or single (‘ ’) marks, depending on the style guide being followed. They help clarify which words are being attributed to a speaker or source, making it easier for readers to distinguish between the author's voice and that of others. In addition to indicating direct speech, quotation marks can also be used to highlight titles of short works, such as articles, poems, or songs. For example, the title of a poem like “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost would be enclosed in quotation marks. Proper use of quotation marks enhances clarity in writing and helps convey the intended meaning more effectively.