Wednesday, September 11, 2013 and Thursday, September 12, 2013 Writing Dialogue: Day 2

Quick Write: Conversation #2 Think of another conversation you’ve had or overheard recently. Recreate the conversation using dialogue. It must be at least 10 lines long.

Objective and Agenda Objective: Students will be able to compose dialogue that is meaningful, shows action, and develops the characters and that is formatted and punctuated correctly. Agenda: ▫Quick Write ▫Focus Lesson: Punctuating Dialogue ▫Table Jams: Words for “Said” ▫Writing Center Reminder ▫You Do: Draft Your 20 Lines of Dialogue for Your Memoir ▫We Do: Meet with Writer’s Workshop Groups ▫You Do: Revise Dialogue Homework: Your 20 line dialogue is due Friday, September 13 (THIS Friday)!

Using Quotation Marks with Direct Quotations A direct quotation conveys the exact words that a person wrote, SAID, or thought. A direct quotation is often accompanied by words such as he said or she replied. These words, which may fall at the beginning, middle, or end of a quotation, identify the speaker. ▫Introductory Words  Jennifer said, “The acorn is one of the most important sources of food in the woods.” ▫Interrupting Words  “Don’t forget the hickory nuts,” Mark said, “or the walnuts and pecans.” ▫Concluding Words  “Didn’t you know that one oak tree can produce 30,000 acorns in a year?” the ranger asked.

Using Quotation Marks with Other Punctuation Marks ALWAYS place commas and periods inside the final quotation mark. ▫Ex: “Our class trip is this Tuesday,” said Janet. ▫Ex: Matthew added, “We are leaving very early.” Place a question mark or an exclamation mark inside the final quotation marks IF IT IS PART OF THE QUOTATION. ▫INCORRECT Ex: Dan asked, “When can I get a pet”? ▫CORRECT Ex: Dan asked, “When can I get a pet?” Place a question mark or exclamation mark outside the final quotation marks if the mark is not part of the quotation. ▫CORRECT Ex: Who said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself”? ▫CORRECT Ex: Don’t say, “I doubt it will work”!

Using Quotation Marks for Dialogue A dialogue is talk between two or more people. A new paragraph signals that a different person is speaking. Remember these guidelines: ▫Follow the general rules for using quotation marks, capital letters, end marks, and other punctuation marks. ▫Start a new paragraph with each change of speaker. ▫When a speaker says two or more sentences without an interruption, put quotation marks at the beginning of the first sentence and at the end of the last sentence.  Ex: INCORRECT: Martha said, “I think I heard a screech owl.” “Let’s go outside and see.”  Ex: CORRECT: Martha said, “I think I heard a screech owl. Let’s go outside and see.”

Table Jams: “Said” Directions: ▫Get into pairs or groups of 3. ▫Brainstorm any words that can replace “said” (or “asked”). Write them in your notebook. Rules: ▫Every group member must write the words in the same order so you can read them aloud together. ▫You must add to your list if a group says a word that you don’t have. Reward: The group with the most acceptable replacements for said wins Smarties.

Revise Your Quick Write So far we have looked at how to correctly punctuate. We have also brainstormed words to replace “said.” Now you are going to go back and revise your quick write based on what we learned. ▫All or most lines of dialogue should show who is speaking. ▫You must start a new paragraph with each change of speaker. ▫Check your use of quotation marks, commas, periods, questions marks, and exclamation points. ▫Try to replace “said” where appropriate.

Writing Center Reminder There is a Writing Center in room 246A. ▫It’s on the 2 nd floor across from the math tutoring center. You can go there during study hall (or after school during 2 nd quarter). Mr. Poese or a peer tutor can help you with your writing if you cannot make an arrangement to meet with me.

Draft Your Dialogue Look back at your 6 Box Comic Strip, and identify one or more places where you can insert dialogue appropriately. ▫Write 20+ lines of dialogue. ▫They do not have to be 20 lines together—there can be a few lines, then description, then a few lines, then your narration, etc. ▫You have about 25 minutes.

Writer’s Workshop Routines First, the speaker tells what he/she wants feedback on (bringing the reader in, adding action, developing the characters, punctuation, etc.). Second, the speaker reads what he/she has written while the group listens. Third, the listeners comment on what was positive and give suggestions for improvement. Fourth, the original speaker quietly takes notes on the group’s feedback WITHOUT interrupting.

Revise Your 20 Line Dialogue Now, revise your 20 lines of dialogue using your group’s feedback. Also, use the scale for assessing dialogue to guide you. ▫Has purpose and meaning? ▫Develops characters and/or storyline? ▫Shows actions with the conversation? ▫Brings reader in? ▫Punctuated correctly? ▫Clearly identifies each speaker? ▫Starts a new paragraph with each speaker? ▫Doesn’t use “said” too much? This is due Friday, September 13! You will have very little class time to work on Friday.