The document provides tips for writing natural-sounding dialogue, including using contractions unless a character speaks formally, letting characters break off sentences or speak in phrases, having characters interrupt each other, and using occasional hesitant speech tics like "um". It also discusses using question tags, expressions like "so/neither/either", and keeping sentences informal and short. The document includes examples of conversations using these techniques and a practice exercise on question tags and expressing agreement.

1. Dialogue Writing Tips // Exercise on question tags
Read the conversation and look at the auxiliary verbs
A) -What’s your sister like?
B) -Well, she’s rather shy and quiet.
A) – Is she? So is my brother!
B) –Isn’t your brother a doctor?
A)-That’s right! And your sister works in a bank, doesn’t she?
B)-No she doesn’t. She is a journalist.
A)- Oh yes, you did tell me, but I forgot. I think they’d probably get on well…
B)- Do you? But if my sister doesn’t talk much and neither does your brother..
A)- Yes, You’re probably right. We won’t introduce them, then.
Doctor -You look exhausted
Patient -Yes. I’ve been running after a cat.
Doctor -After a cat?
Patient -Yes, I think I’m a dog, doctor.
Doctor - I see. How long has this beeb going on for?
Patient -Since I was a little puppy.
Doctor -Ok. Just lie down here on the couch and we’ll talk about it.
Patient -I can’t.
Doctor -Why not?
Patient -I’m not allowed on the furniture
To make dialogue seem natural – without boring the reader to tears – try some of these
tips:
• Use contractions (“don’t”, “shouldn’t”, “can’t”) unless a character is very stuffy
or speaking in a very formal context.
• Let characters break off sentences, or speak in phrases rather than sentences.
• Have characters interrupt one another.
• Use the occasional “um” or “er”, if a character is being particularly hesitant.
• Use of questions tags
• So/ Neither/ Either
• Not very long sentences. Keep it simple and informal
• Informal Vocabualary
Practice for the test: Question tags Expressing agreement
I’m not very good at doing sport! Aren’t you? Neither I am/ I am not either.
I’m very shy. __________ ________________________
I hate beer . __________ ________________________
I don’t often g to the cinema __________ ________________________
I’ ve been to Morocco __________ ________________________
My facourite season is spring ___________ ________________________

2. *** Notice that after prepostion the verb goes always in –ing : I’m not very good at
doing any sport!
INFORMAL LETTER // EMAIL
USEFUL LANGUAGE
Opening expressions
Thanks for your letter/ email
It was great to hear from you
Sorry for not writing you earlier // Sorry that we haven’t been in touch for a while
I hope you and your family are well
Responding to news
Sorry to hear about your exams results
Glad to hear that you’re well
Hope you get better soon
Closing expressions
Anyway/Well, that’s all for now.
Hope to hear from you soon. Looking forward to hearing from you soon
Give my regards to…
Take care/ Best wishes/ regards/ lots of love from…
PS(= something which you forgot and want to add) Please send me the photos you
promised.