English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Formatting quotations and dialogue
Formatting quotations and dialogue
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify direct and indirect quotations.
Correctly punctuate direct quotations using quotation marks, commas, and periods.
Capitalize the first word of a direct quotation when appropriate.
Format dialogue between two or more speakers using new paragraphs.
Integrate dialogue tags correctly within or around quotations.
Distinguish between quoting a complete sentence and quoting part of a sentence.
Ever wonder how authors make characters 'talk' on the page? 🗣️ Or how they show exactly what someone said without making it confusing?
In this lesson, you'll learn the essential rules for formatting quotations and dialogue. This skill is crucial for showing evidence in your argumentative writing and bringing your stories to life, making your writin...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Direct QuotationThe exact words spoken or written by someone, enclosed in quotation marks.She exclaimed, 'I can't wait for the field trip!'
Indirect QuotationA paraphrase or summary of what someone said, not their exact words, and does not use quotation marks.She exclaimed that she couldn't wait for the field trip.
Quotation MarksPunctuation marks (' ' or " ") used in pairs to show the beginning and end of a direct quotation.The sign read, 'No running.'
Dialogue TagWords that identify the speaker of a quotation (e.g., 'he said,' 'she asked,' 'they whispered').'That's a great idea,' he suggested.
Punctuation PlacementThe rule for where to put commas, periods, question marks,...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Quotation Marks for Direct Speech
Always enclose the exact words of a speaker or writer in quotation marks.
Use ' ' or " " around the words that were actually said or written. Do not use them for indirect quotations.
Punctuation with Dialogue Tags
Use a comma to separate the dialogue tag from the quotation. Periods and commas always go *inside* the closing quotation mark.
If the tag comes before the quote, put a comma after the tag. If the tag comes after the quote, put a comma inside the closing quote mark. Question marks and exclamation points go inside if they are part of the quote, or outside if they apply to the whole sentence.
Capitalization in Direct Quotations
Capitalize the first word of a direct quotation if it is a complete sentence.
Tr...
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Challenging
A student is writing an argumentative paragraph about a character's personality. Which sentence most effectively uses a direct quotation as evidence?
A.The book says, "She was a very determined person."
B.The character's determination is clear when she states, "I will not give up, no matter how difficult it gets."
C.The character says that she is determined to succeed.
D.An example of the character's determination is on page 45.
Challenging
Which of the following dialogue exchanges is formatted perfectly according to all rules of punctuation, capitalization, and paragraphing?
A."Did you see that amazing goal"? asked Sam.
"Of course!" replied Jin, "It was the best play of the game."
B."Did you see that amazing goal?" asked Sam.
"Of course!" replied Jin. "It was the best play of the game."
C."Did you see that amazing goal?" Asked Sam.
"Of course!" replied Jin. "it was the best play of the game."
D."Did you see that amazing goal?" asked Sam. "Of course!" replied Jin. "It was the best play of thegame."
Challenging
How do you correctly punctuate a quotation within another quotation?
A.Use two sets of double quotation marks.
B.Use double quotation marks for the main quote and single quotation marks for the inner quote.
C.Use italics for the inner quote instead of quotation marks.
D.It is not possible to have a quote within a quote.
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