Writing dialogues as part of EFL directed writing. By Mr. Huckle & Ms. Meyers

What is involved? As part of these questions, you should write a transcript of an interview or conversation. It could be formal (e.g. a business meeting), semi- formal (e.g. a TV show interview) or informal (e.g. friends chatting). The transcript should be formatted correctly. The speakers must sound different to each other. Their attitudes, relationships and personalities must be clear. It must sound like spoken English.

How to format a dialogue Andrew: Hello, David, how are you? David: I’m Ok thanks, I have recently been shopping in the city centre. It was good fun! Andrew:Really? Did you buy anything? David:Not really, I was just browsing. Name Colon Space New line for new speaker Align all speech together

Showing attitudes, relationships and personalities You should show attitudes, relationships and personalities through the language that the speakers use. Attitudes -> are they angry, sad, confused, etc? Relationships -> are the speakers friends, lovers, relatives, business colleagues, etc? Personalities -> are the speakers kind, intelligent, lower-class, etc?

Bob – confused by a maths sum Well…hmm… I’m uncertain but I think the answer is probably…102. Errrr? Hmm…Is that…? Is it 101…1…2…102? Hmmm… That maths equation is a little bit difficult, I’m not so sure what the answer is to that one. Is it 102? That’s a very difficult equation, I think the answer’s … 102. Isn’t it? 102?

Showing confusion hesitation sounds ‘err’, ‘hmm’. ellipsis. questions. Bob: Errrr? Hmm…Is that…? Is it 101…1…2…102? Hmmm…

Damon – intellectually discussing climate change Well, the temperature is increasing. It’s because of climate change. The increase in global temperatures are quite obviously attributable to a variety of causes; the industrialisation of many societies has led to increased use of fossil fuels. Well, the planet’s getting hotter, ain’t it? It’s cos of the weather changing. There are some clear explanations for the increase in temperatures of the planet: global warming and climate change.

Showing intelligence no slang, formal language, longer sentences, more complex vocabulary Damon: The increase in global temperatures are quite obviously attributable to a variety of causes, the industrialisation of many societies has led to increased use of fossil fuels.

Jessie – friendly greeting Hey, Sandy! Awesome to see you. How are ya? Hello Sandra, how are you? It’s very nice to see you again. Hey, Sandra. It’s great to see you. How are you doing? Hey, babe! Awesome to see you! How are ya? Last night’s party was so cool, wasn’t it?

Showing friendliness slang, terms of endearment informal language, references to shared knowledge. (nicknames) Jessie: Hey, babe! Awesome to see you! How are ya? Last night’s party was so cool, wasn’t it?

Susie – excited about a birthday Wow!! My birthday! I can’t wait! It’s the happiest day of my life! I’ve never been happier. Today it’s my birthday so I’m pretty happy, I’m looking forward to receiving some presents. I’m very happy because today is my birthday! I hope I get lots of presents. I’m really, really happy: it’s my birthday! I’m excited to be getting loads of presents!

Showing excitement exclamations, double-exclamations, non-sentences, superlatives, hyperbole, repeated intensifiers Susie: Wow!! My birthday! I can’t wait! It’s the happiest day of my life! I’ve never been happier. I’m really, really happy!

Michael– angry about an accident Oh no! You silly man, you’ve crashed into my car! There’s lots of damage, so you must pay me for this!. Crap! You’ve crashed into my car! You complete idiot! What do you think you’re doing?! Are you stupid?! Idiot! YOU FOOL! Pay me now! Oh no, look what’s happened. Why did you do this? How did this happen? Please give me the money to pay for this immediately. Oh dear, you seem to have crashed into my car which is a bit of a problem. Would you mind giving me the money to pay for the damage you’ve caused?

Showing anger exclamations, non-sentences, swear words, capital letters, double-exclamations, question-exclamation, insults Michael: Crap! You’ve crashed into my car! You complete idiot! What do you think you’re doing?! Are you stupid?! Idiot! YOU FOOL! Pay me now!

Grant – being polite Sorry to be a pain, would you mind giving me that book please? Thank you so much. Oi! Give that book to me now! Give it here! I request that you give that book to me now. Give it to me. I would really appreciate it if you gave me that book now.

Showing politeness questions – – ‘would you mind…?’ apologising passive / indirect way of speaking please and thank you. Grant: Sorry to be a pain, would you mind giving me that book please? Thank you so much.

Write a dialogue of 2 ½ -3 sides, single spaced, on ONE of the following Between an angry police officer, a polite criminal, and an annoyed victim. Between a cowardly cowboy and an argumentative alien. Between a militaristic father, his irresponsible child and the wife/mother that just wants everyone to be happy. Between a wise, old witch, a reckless young vampire, and an aggressive werewolf. Between a mad scientist and his/her doting student.