How to punctuate Dialogue What is Dialogue Conversation

How to punctuate Dialogue What is Dialogue? Conversation between characters in a work of literature

How do we punctuate dialogue? • Dialogue is something characters actually SAY to each other. • Dialogue is enclosed in quotation marks “ ” Ms. Benoit said to the class, “please, stop talking. ”

Formatting • Each time a new character speaks, indent as if starting a new paragraph. This shows us someone else is talking. • If there is a quote within dialogue, use single quote marks around that. ‘

For Example: “What did the doctor say? ” asked Chris, with a concerned look on his face. “He doesn’t think it’s too serious, ” replied Joan. “But what did he say exactly? ” “He said, ‘I don’t think the spot on the x-ray is anything serious. We should run one more test, though, to be sure, ’” replied Joan.

Now you try: Re-write the passage below, indenting and punctuating the dialogue correctly: I wanted the ideal animal to hunt, explained the general. So I said: What are the attributes of an ideal quarry? And the answer was, of course: It must have courage, cunning, and, above all, it must be able to reason. But no animal can reason, objected Rainsford. My dear fellow said the general there is one that can. But you can’t mean – gasped Rainsford. And why not? I can’t believe you are serious, General Zarrof. This is a grisly joke. Why should I not be serious? I am speaking of hunting. Hunting? General Zaroff, what you speak of is murder.

Answer “I wanted the ideal animal to hunt, ” explained the general. So I said: “What are the attributes of an ideal quarry? ” And the answer was, of course: “It must have courage, cunning, and, above all, it must be able to reason. ” “But no animal can reason, ” objected Rainsford. “My dear fellow, ” said the general, “there is one that can. ” “But you can’t mean” – gasped Rainsford. “And why not? ” “I can’t believe you are serious, General Zarrof. This is a grisly joke. ” “Why should I not be serious? I am speaking of hunting. ” “Hunting? General Zaroff, what you speak of is murder. ”

Short Story Your short story needs to include dialogue. Find at least three places in your short story where you can insert dialogue.

Detail and Imagery You also want your short story to include lots of detail and description. You want the reader to feel like they were there; to be able to imagine what is happening in their mind. Try adding similes, metaphors, alliteration, etc. to make your story more interesting.

Requirements On Monday, you need to have a rough draft of your story. Has to be a story about leadership. How were you a leader in the situation? It can be typed or hand written. Needs to start with an interesting “hook” to attract the reader. Needs to end with a lesson, turning point or realization

Remember: This is your first writing grade in here! It will really help your grade if you do well on it. It’s also one of the only times you get to write about yourself! So take advantage of the fact that you’re already an expert on the story. The rough draft is due when you walk in Monday. I will check your draft for credit! This essay is worth 50 points!

Questions? Concerns?