OLNA Writing: Narrative Writing Techniques 3

Question 1

Which line of dialogue is punctuated correctly?

Accepted Answer

"I can't find my keys," said Tom.

Answer

In US English, the comma goes inside the closing quotation mark before the dialogue tag.

Question 2

When writing dialogue between two characters, when should a new paragraph begin?

Accepted Answer

Each time the speaker changes

Answer

Starting a new paragraph for each speaker makes it clear who is talking.

Question 3

A writer includes a brief scene from the main character's childhood in the middle of a present-day story. What technique is this?

Accepted Answer

Flashback

Answer

A flashback interrupts the present timeline to show an earlier event.

Question 4

Which sentence uses a simile?

Accepted Answer

The crowd moved like a slow river toward the exit.

Answer

A simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as'.

Question 5

Which is the best way to vary sentence structure in a tense action scene?

Accepted Answer

Mix short, punchy sentences with longer ones to control pace

Answer

Short sentences speed up the pace while varied lengths keep writing engaging.

OLNA - Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Practice Test