Make Language More Interesting with Dialogue Words

Things would get redundant quickly if every character in a book simply “said” their lines: 

She picked up on the first ring. “Where are you?” she said.

“I’m here,” he said. 

She looked around the lobby. “I don’t see you anywhere, and the show is about to start,” she said. 

“I’m already in our seats,” he said.

You don’t feel a sense of urgency with a flat word like “said” repeated throughout the dialogue. 

Descriptive writing creates an atmosphere through language that conveys a character’s feelings, thoughts, internal motivations and settings. 

How to Play Our Dialogue Words Card Game

Players pull cards and try to match the phrase with how it’s said. 

For example, if a player has the “It was me that stole it!” card and draws a “blurted” card, they would say the phrase in that manner and decide if it’s a match. 

Through this activity, students will show they understand how different types of texts vary by their language choices, depending on their purpose, context and intended audience.

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your writing and drama lessons. 

Check out these suggestions for using this activity to reinforce your small group and full-class lessons: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need help understanding the concepts by using the Word version to simplify the Speech Bubble cards and/or the Ways to Speak cards.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Have students create new speech bubbles (sentences) that would be a logical match for the Ways to Speak cards.

Be sure to check out our interactive No More ‘Said’ Google Interactive Activity too!   

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between black and white or colour PDF or Microsoft Word formats. 

Print on cardboard for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Turn students into capable writers with these activities and teaching resources: