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Dialogue Writing and Punctuation

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Dialogue Writing and Punctuation

Read each question carefully. Use Australian English spelling and punctuation. For writing tasks, your response may differ from the example answer if it meets the requirements.

Dialogue punctuation

1.Which sentence uses quotation marks and punctuation correctly?

“We should take the earlier train” suggested Evie.
“We should take the earlier train,” suggested Evie.
“We should take the earlier train,” Suggested Evie.
We should take the earlier train,” suggested Evie.

2.When should a writer usually begin a new paragraph in a conversation?

Whenever a speaker uses a question mark
Whenever the setting changes
Each time a different character begins speaking
Only after the conversation has finished

3.Rewrite this line of dialogue with correct capital letters and punctuation: wait here Dylan called the bus is almost here

4.Add quotation marks and punctuation to show that Anh speaks first and then gives a quiet warning: we should turn back Anh murmured before the storm gets worse

Character voice and expression

5.Read the two lines. Describe the attitude each speaker’s word choices suggest. Speaker 1: “Fine. Do whatever you want. It’s not important.” Speaker 2: “This is brilliant! I can’t wait to get started!”

6.Rewrite this exchange so one character sounds hesitant and the other sounds assured. Keep the situation the same: “Are we going on stage now?” “Yes, we are going on stage now.”

7.Choose the dialogue tag that best fits the speaker’s emotion: “I’ve looked everywhere, and my keys are gone!”

Kai chuckled cheerfully.
Kai replied patiently.
Kai exclaimed in a panic.
Kai murmured sleepily.

Create and revise dialogue

8.Write a short conversation of 4–6 spoken lines between two students who have just discovered that their class is putting on a play. Give the characters noticeably different voices, punctuate the dialogue correctly, and include at least one action or description.

9.Revise this exchange to add subtext: the speakers claim they are relaxed about a group presentation, but their words or actions hint that they are worried. Keep the dialogue clear and use correct punctuation. “Everything is organised,” said Zoe. “Of course,” replied Hamish. “I only checked the slides six times.”