1 / 10

Using Quotation Marks

Using Quotation Marks. Adding Dialogue to Your Writing. 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:

palmerm
Download Presentation

Using Quotation Marks

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  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.

More Related