2.5: What is Dialogue?

What is the best definition of dialogue in writing?

• Anything characters think silently in their heads

• The writing term for things characters say out loud, enclosed in quotation marks

• Descriptions of settings and actions

• Notes from the author to the reader

Where should quotation marks be placed when a character speaks?

• Only at the beginning of the sentence

• Only at the end of the sentence

• At the beginning and end of what the character says

• Around the dialogue tag only

Which sentence uses quotation marks correctly?

• Maya said, I love drawing.

• Maya said, "I love drawing".

• Maya said, "I love drawing.

• Maya said, I love drawing".

Which guideline helps avoid repeating the same dialogue tag?

• Always use the tag "said" after every line

• Use a variety of tags like "screamed," "cried," or "laughed," or omit the tag if the speaker is obvious

• Never include any dialogue tags

• Use only adverbs to describe how someone speaks

When should you start a new paragraph in dialogue?

• After every sentence, even if the same person continues speaking

• Whenever a different character speaks, even for one word

• Only when a conversation ends

• Only when a speaker talks for more than two lines

Which example correctly shows a new paragraph for a new speaker?

• "Are you ready?" asked Sam. "Almost," replied Kim.

• "Are you ready?" asked Sam. "Almost," replied Kim. Then Sam said, "Let's go."

• "Are you ready?" asked Sam. "Almost," replied Kim.

• Sam asked if Kim was ready and Kim replied almost.

What is one reason to read your dialogue out loud?

• To make it longer

• To check if it sounds natural and not weird when spoken

• To find more adjectives to add

• To make sure every line uses the word "said"

Which line best illustrates using a varied dialogue tag instead of overusing "said"?

• "Stop it," said Leo.

• "Stop it," Leo said loudly.

• "Stop it," Leo screamed.

• "Stop it," Leo said said.

Which option shows natural, informal dialogue that would be fine between friends?

• "Greetings. I would appreciate your presence at the cinema this evening."

• "Would you be so kind as to accompany me?"

• "’Sup, want to see a movie?"

• "Attend the theater with me immediately."

Which statement about using "said" is most accurate according to the tips?

• Never use "said" because it is incorrect

• Use "said" every time a character speaks

• Mix it up with verbs like "cried" or "laughed," or leave it out if the speaker is obvious

• Replace it only with adverbs