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Mastering Quotation Marks for Engaging Writing

Learn how to effectively use quotation marks to enhance your writing by accurately representing dialogue and advancing the narrative. Practice exercises included for hands-on learning.

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Mastering Quotation Marks for Engaging Writing

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  1. Using Quotation Marks • Adding Dialogue to Your Writing

  2. The primary function of quotation marks is to set off and represent exact language (either spoken or written) that has come from somebody else. • Adding dialogue to your writing should help to accomplish at least one of the following: • Moving the story forwards • Giving information • Contributing to characterization

  3. The “Rules” • Quotation marks always come in pairs. Do not open a quotation and fail to close it at the end of the quoted material. • When you open a quotation, your first word inside the quotation marks must be capitalized. • Mr. Johnson, who was working in his field that morning, said, "The alien spaceship appeared right before my own two eyes."

  4. If a direct quotation is interrupted mid-sentence, do not capitalize the second part of the quotation. • "I didn't see an actual alien being," Mr. Johnson said, "but I sure wish I had."

  5. Punctuation • In all the examples, note how the period or comma punctuation always comes before the final quotation mark. • So, all commas and periods need to be placed inside the quotation marks for indicating speech.

  6. Paragraphing • Start a new paragraph for a new speaker. This makes it easier for the reader to follow the dialogue. • This applies even if the new speaker doesn’t speak.

  7. Cautiously, I bow back, and he snaps his fingers, barking an instruction. A moment later, a beautiful leather folder has been opened in front of him, and he’s writing something elaborate in Japanese. • “Is he still there?” The stranger’s voice suddenly emanates from the phone. • “Yes,” I mutter into it. “Just about. Where are you?” I shoot a bright smile at Mr. Yamasaki. • “Fifth floor. Keep him there. Whatever it takes.” • Mr. Yamasaki hands me his piece of paper, caps his pen, bows again, and makes to walk off. • “Wait!” I cry desperately. “Could I … show you something?” • “Mr. Yamasaki is very busy.” One of his colleagues, wearing steel glasses and the whitest shirt I’ve ever seen, turns back. “Kindly contact our office.” • They’re heading away again. What do I do now? I can’t ask for another autograph. I can’t rugby-tackle him. I need to attract his attention somehow.

  8. Practice Exercise • Properly insert quotation marks, commas, and endmarks into these sentences. • 1. • Wow Those are terrific pictures exclaimed James • 2. • My sister would like to go to the movies with us said Gina May she • 3. • This summer promises continued Roger to be a very memorable one for sure • 4. • Would you care for another slice of pizza asked Mom • 5. • Why did you say I'm better than she is • 6. • Mrs. Miller said she wanted the tree projects on her desk first period tomorrow

  9. 7. • Mrs. Gardner added We should find out tomorrow • 8. • The car sighed Dad needs to be taken to the mechanic • 9. • Nick said that he wasn't feeling well yesterday • 10. • We have to finish this quickly or we'll get in trouble cried Katie • 11. • Which one of you said I can't swim • 12. • Why does Karla say I think I know but I'm not sure • 13. • Here is the hammer you asked for said Richard • 14. • Perhaps you wouldn't be so tired suggested Dad if you went to bed earlier • 15. • Excellent work Paul praised Mom

  10. Answers • 1. • "Wow! Those are terrific pictures!" exclaimed James. • 2. • "My sister would like to go to the movies with us," said Gina. "May she?" • 3. • "This summer promises," continued Roger, "to be a very memorable one for sure." • 4. • "Would you care for another slice of pizza?" asked Mom. • 5. • Why did you say, "I'm better than she is"? • 6. • Mrs. Miller said she wanted the tree projects on her desk first period tomorrow. • 7. • Mrs. Gardner added, "We should find out tomorrow." • 8. • "The car," sighed Dad, "needs to be taken to the mechanic." • 9. • Nick said that he wasn't feeling well yesterday. • 10. • "We have to finish this quickly or we'll get in trouble!" cried Katie. • 11. • Which one of you said, "I can't swim"? • 12. • Why does Karla say, "I think I know but I'm not sure"? • 13. • "Here is the hammer you asked for," said Richard. • 14. • "Perhaps you wouldn't be so tired," suggested Dad, "if you went to bed earlier." • 15. • "Excellent work, Paul!" praised Mom.

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