Dialogue/Conversation
If you're asked to write a dialogue then you are recording in writing spoken language. You'll need to write in a much less formal style than many of the other forms (e.g. the report). A dialogue is an equal conversation between two people (both should speak for about the same amount of time).
Success Criteria
1) Equal conversation between two people. Each character needs a clear personality.
2) Should NOT be one person asking and the other answering; it MUST be both ways. Mixture of long and shorter paragraphs. |
Interview
If you're asked to write an interview it'll be similar to a dialogue but the questions will be given to you (as the three bullet points). Instead of an evenly balanced conversation between two people, an interview will have one person talking a lot more than the other.
Success Criteria
1) One person asks the questions and the other answers. Not an equal conversation.
2) Answers need to be long / detailed; include lots of information that you have read in the passage. 3) ON THE EXAM THE QUESTIONS WILL BE GIVEN FOR YOU, in bullet points – use them!!! |
SHARED SUCCESS CRITERIA
1) Both these forms should use stage directions given in brackets (sometimes, for effect - don't overuse these)
Mum: You can't go out tonight, it's about
Son: (interrupting) That's not fair. You always do this. I hate you.
Mum: (wearily) Don't be rude.
2) Both these forms rely on punctuation for effect. See what a difference to meaning it makes?
Mum: You can't go out tonight, it's about...
Son: (interrupting) That's not fair! You always do this... I hate you.
Mum: (wearily) Don't be rude!
3) Lay it out like a script, using a colon as shown above.
4) Use language that is realistic to the character. Try and use language that is appropriate and create a clear sense of voice - particularly in the dialogue. Think about who is more powerful and try and show that in the language. Don't try and use words that are too formal all the time, otherwise it will end up like the one below!
Mum: The predominant reason I believe that you should stay at home is because your examination is next week! Your English GCSE examination!
Son: I understand your concern but I feel prepared already. I have done multiple hours of revision. Mr Sulo assures me I will be absolutely fine.
Mum: Although you are persuasive, the fact you do not use any PERFECT techniques to make your points suggests that you need to revise more thoroughly. You will be staying in.
Son: (sighs) A fair and just decision. Mother is always right!
Mum: You can't go out tonight, it's about
Son: (interrupting) That's not fair. You always do this. I hate you.
Mum: (wearily) Don't be rude.
2) Both these forms rely on punctuation for effect. See what a difference to meaning it makes?
Mum: You can't go out tonight, it's about...
Son: (interrupting) That's not fair! You always do this... I hate you.
Mum: (wearily) Don't be rude!
3) Lay it out like a script, using a colon as shown above.
4) Use language that is realistic to the character. Try and use language that is appropriate and create a clear sense of voice - particularly in the dialogue. Think about who is more powerful and try and show that in the language. Don't try and use words that are too formal all the time, otherwise it will end up like the one below!
Mum: The predominant reason I believe that you should stay at home is because your examination is next week! Your English GCSE examination!
Son: I understand your concern but I feel prepared already. I have done multiple hours of revision. Mr Sulo assures me I will be absolutely fine.
Mum: Although you are persuasive, the fact you do not use any PERFECT techniques to make your points suggests that you need to revise more thoroughly. You will be staying in.
Son: (sighs) A fair and just decision. Mother is always right!