Page 65 - Improve_Your_Written_English [Marion_Field]

P A RAGRA PHING YO U R WO RK / 51

◆ Each paragraph should have a topic sentence whose
content is expanded in the rest of the paragraph.
◆ Short paragraphs may be used for effect.

◆ Direct speech is always enclosed in inverted commas.

◆ A new paragraph always starts at the beginning of the
sentence in which a character speaks.

◆ There is always a punctuation mark before the inverted
commas are closed.

◆ A punctuation mark always separates the speech from
the person who says it.

◆ Start a new paragraph when returning to the narrative.

◆ Use double inverted commas for quotations and titles if
contained in dialogue.

◆ Inverted commas are not needed when reporting speech
or writing a play.

PRACTISING WHAT YOU’VE LEARNT
1. Change the following examples of direct speech into
indirect speech:
(a) ‘Will you come to the dance, Susan?’ asked John.
(b) ‘I can’t go because I’m going to a wedding,’ replied
Susan.

2. Set out the following dialogue as a play.
‘I’ve got so much to do,’ wailed Ruth.
‘The wedding’s not for ages,’ Brian reminded her.