Punctuating Dialogue Made Easy

This video tutorial covers the essentials of punctuating dialogue correctly. It explains the use of quotation marks, the placement of commas, and how to handle interrupted and uninterrupted speech. The tutorial also emphasizes the importance of starting a new paragraph with each speaker change and maintaining clarity without repetitive speaker tags.

What should be surrounded by quotation marks when punctuating dialogue?

• Only the speaker tags

• None of the above

• Only the spoken words

• Both the speaker tags and spoken words

Where should the comma be placed when separating the dialogue from the speaker tag?

• Outside the quotation marks

• Inside the quotation marks

• Before the quotation marks

• After the speaker tag

In the sentence 'Mary screamed, "So help me if you don’t let me have a turn!"', where should the exclamation point be placed?

• Outside the quotation marks

• Inside the quotation marks

• Before the quotation marks

• After the speaker tag

Which of the following is correct for uninterrupted speech?

• "You are such a greedy Pig," Mary shouted.

• "You are such a greedy Pig," Mary shouted.

• "You are such a greedy Pig," Mary shouted.

• "You are such a greedy Pig," Mary shouted.

What common error can occur with quotation marks when there is a space between the quotation mark and the text?

• The quotation mark disappears

• The quotation mark becomes backwards

• The quotation mark becomes bold

• The quotation mark becomes italicized

When should you start a new paragraph in dialogue?

• Every time a new idea is introduced

• Every time a new speaker begins

• Every time a new sentence starts

• Every time a punctuation mark is used

Why is it important to start a new paragraph for each speaker in dialogue?

• To avoid confusion for the reader

• To make the text look longer

• To make the text more colorful

• To use more paper

When only two people are talking, what can you sometimes omit?

• The punctuation marks

• The quotation marks

• The speaker tags

• The dialogue

In the dialogue 'Fred said, "You can be so cruel sometimes," Mary wailed.', what is incorrect?

• The use of speaker tags

• The indentation

• The placement of commas

• The use of quotation marks

What is the main rule for punctuating dialogue?

• Keep the exact words and punctuation within the quotation marks

• Never use commas

• Always use exclamation points

• Avoid using quotation marks