Dialogue Writing

A dialogue is a discourse or chat between two or more persons, written in a special form. It is written like a play and follows definite rules in the way it is set out, as well as in the way it is punctuated.

Guidelines for Writing a Dialogue:

a.    Write the name of each speaker on the left followed by a colon.

b.    Leave a space before you begin writing what each speaker says.

c.    Although dialogues are written in direct speech, there are no inverted commas.

d.    Set the dialogue out neatly, with the words spoken by each speaker written underneath each other. Don’t write the dialogue underneath the name of the speaker.

e.    Leave a line before each new speaker.

f.     Punctuation marks where necessary, can be used to show tone, e.g. exclamation marks.

g.    Write down any extra information, such as the speakers’ actions or tone of voice, in brackets before their words are spoken, e.g. (sadly)

Holiday plan

Nikita: Hello, Amar. How are you?

Amar: Fine, Nikita. And you?

Nikita: Quite good. Is there anything new happening?

Amar: Yes. I have planned to celebrate my daughter's birthday this week.

Nikita: Oh really! Where do you want to go?

Amar: We would like to go to Pokhara. What do you think about spending time in
            Pokhara? Have you been there before?

Nikita: Yes, I have. Personally, I think it’s a fantastic place and full of natural beauty.
            You will definitely love it a lot. Do you want to go there by bus or plane?

Amar: By bus.

Nikita: I think it’s very tiring. It’s a bit expensive to travel by plane, but safe and fast.

Amar: What about staying at a hotel or with relatives?

Nikita: In my opinion, staying at a hotel will be comfortable.

Amar: Yes, I agree with you. Is it ok if I book a ticket from a travel agency?

Nikita: It's okay, but booking tickets from the Internet is much faster and cheaper,
            isn’t it?

Amar: Exactly! You’re very good at giving ideas about a holiday plan. One more
            question: Is it good to eat local food there?

Nikita: Sure, that’s what I think. You can try new and interesting food. It is completely

            different from our culture. You can find fast food everywhere.

Amar: Definitely, you’re right. Thanks for your suggestion, Nikita! Bye.

Nikita: Take care. Hope you have a great time there.

Preparation for the examination

   Raj: You are looking so sad. What’s the matter?

 John: Actually, I’m worried about my upcoming exam. How is your           

            preparation?

    Raj: Well, I’ am doing good.

 John:  Could you please tell me about your preparation in different subjects?

    Raj: You know I’m weak in Maths. That’s why, I’m taking special care in Maths. 
            I’m having a complete revision in other subjects as well.  

 John: Are you taking support from any special books?

    Raj: Yes. But my focus is on my text book first.

 John: I see. I must start working with the text book. What do you think?

    Raj: Yes. I think it’ll be helpful for responding all types of questions easily.  

 John: Thank you for your supportive suggestion.

    Raj: You’re most welcome.

Library Membership

  Student: I want to borrow some books from your library.

Librarian: Are you a member of this library? Until you have membership you
                  can’t be privileged any library facilities.

  Student: No, Sir. What is the procedure to own the library membership?

Librarian: You should fill up an application form with your personal detail and get it
                   signed by yourself including a pp size photo.

   Student: Am I required to deposit membership fee?

 Librarian: Certainly, you have to deposit Rs 100 in cash.

   Student: How many books can I borrow at a time?

 Librarian: You will be issued two books. You can get them for 15 days. After
                    which either you should get it renewed or return, otherwise you will  
                    have to pay a fine of Rs. 50 per day.

   Student: What are the library times, Sir?

  Librarian: The library remains open every day from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. except

                    Saturdays and holidays. On Saturdays and holidays, it remains open
                    from 10am. to 1pm.

   Student: Thank you for your information.  I’ll take the application form and submit
                    it to you with a fee tomorrow.

 Librarian:  It's all right.