English 1st Language Grade 6

Dialogue Workbook

A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people. When we quote what people
are saying we always use quotation marks. If we are writing in a dialogue format, we do
not need to use quotation marks if we use the persons’ names and the correct layout.

Let’s look at this text between Peter and John. Take note of the layout as we change it
into the dialogue format:

Peter: My mom says we have a new rule, we (are)

not allowed to be on our tablets during
dinner!
John: Yip, my parents have the same rule!
Peter: I don't get it! It’s not fair!
John: I quite enjoy it. We get to chat about our
days and my dad always tells us a funny
story!
Peter: Oh, that makes sense now. Sounds nice!

Every speaker on a new line.

Write the speaker’s name first, with a

colon after it :

No quotation marks when writing what

each speaker says.

Pretend there is a line between the

speakers’ names and what they are

When can we use this format:

¨A conversation between two or more people
¨ The conversation between characters in a novel, drama, play etc.
¨ An exchange of ideas or opinions
¨ A literary work in the form of a conversation

Another form of a dialogue is when we directly quote someone else’s words.

When using this technique we would use quotation marks.

Let’s recap the rules of quotation marks:

1. Use quotation marks around the person’s direct words.

2. Punctuation always goes inside the inverted commas.
3. Tenses - ensure use of correct tense for the speaker.
4. Start each speaker with capital letters.
5. Start a new speaker on a new line.
6. Be careful not to just use the word “said”.

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English 1st Language Grade 6

Dialogue Workbook

Let’s look at the same conversation and write it using quotation marks:

Peter sent a text to his friend John and complained, “My mom says we have a new rule, we
(are) not allowed to be on our tablets during dinner!”
“Yip, my parents have the same rule!” replied John.
“I don’t get it!” exclaimed Peter, “it’s not fair!”
“I quite enjoy it. We get to chat about our days and my dad always tells us a funny story.”
“Oh, that makes sense now. Sounds nice!” said Peter.

When can we use this format:

¨ When writing my own stories and characters are having a discussion.
¨ I can also change this format into indirect speech: Peter exclaimed
that it made sense and sounded nice.

Did you see I didn't only use the word “said”...

Place the following dialogue into the SMS box below.

Duke
Duke said, “Because in the
kitchen I eat breakfast, lunch
and dinner!”
“Haha. My favourite room is the
living room.” explained Ginger.
“Why?” questioned Duke.
Ginger replied, “Because in my
living room there’s a television
and a computer. I watch TV
every night and I also play
computer games in the
afternoons.”

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English 1st Language Grade 6

Dialogue Workbook

Use the cartoon clip from Garfield, with John, Arlene and Odie and write it in a
dialogue format.

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Write your own dialogue, based on the image below. Each character has to
speak twice.

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English 1st Language Grade 6

Dialogue Workbook - MEMO

Place the following dialogue into

Duke
the SMS box below.

Because in the kitchen I eat

breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Haha. My favourite room is

the living room.

Why?

Because in my living room

there’s a television and a
computer. I watch TV every
night and I also play computer
games in the afternoons.

Use the cartoon clip from Garfield, with John, Arlene and Odie and write it in a dialogue format.

John: Make a wish!

Garfield: Like that ever works.

The doorbell rings in the background. (You may insert cues in your dialogue)

Arlene: Happy birthday, Garfield!

Garfield: I stand to be corrected.

Write your own dialogue, based on the image below. Each character has to speak twice.

Own creative writing. Checklist:

1. No quotation marks, correct punctuation.

2. Each character speaks twice.
3. No spelling mistakes!