Page 107 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade6_Flipbook

Writing Workshop 9 (continued)
ACADEMIC VOCABULARY Conventions are accepted, recognized styles for conveying meaning or creating effects in writing and other art forms.
Script writing conventions include specific uses of parentheses, italics, and end punctuation in stage directions and dialogue.
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Words included in parentheses are not meant to be read aloud by the actors, but rather provide stage directions. Find an example of stage directions that describe actor movement in “The Millionaire Miser.”
Possible response:
SERVANT: (excitedly bows and runs off)
Parentheses can also tell an actor what emotional tone to use when delivering the dialogue that follows. Read aloud the following lines, using the stage directions to inform your tone:
Seth: (with satisfaction) That was the best story I’ve ever heard. Seth: (sarcastically) That was the best story I’ve ever heard.
Find an example of stage directions that describe tone in “The Millionaire Miser.”
Possible response:
SAKKA: (appalled, looking down to earth) Not in seventy-seven millennia have I ever seen such a miser! I will teach this fellow not to be so stingy.
Work with your class to generate parenthetical stage directions that provide instructions for actor movement and tone.
Italics in scripts can mean two things. If included within parentheses, italics indicate stage directions. Example:
BOY: (makes loud sounds of enjoyment as he eats)
If included in the dialogue, italics reveal what specific words should be stressed or emphasized by the actor reading the role. Find an example of italics within dialogue in “The Millionaire Miser.”
Possible response:
SUSHIL: If only I could ask my wife to make me a sweet dumpling. But if I
wanted one, so would my wife.
Read aloud the following lines, emphasizing the words in italics. Consider
the effect that the placement of italics has on the meaning.
Tahsin: I told you she was the leader. Tahsin: I told you she was the leader. Tahsin: I told you she was the leader.
8 SpringBoard® Writing Workshop with Grammar Activities Grade 6
Revising for Language and Writer’s Craft
Script writing has its own conventions, including the use of font and punctuation to communicate information and emotions to the actors and directors. Parentheses, italics, and end punctuation are three types of script conventions.
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