Answers to the Dialog Homework

Exercise 1 (pp. 235-240)

. . “I collect jellyfish on the beach,” said Ralph, “because they make excellent erasers.” 2. “ How did pioneer women fix their hair?” asked Dody. “I don’t think they had blow dryers.” 3. “My favorite song is ‘Tomorrow,’” said Opie. “I wish I could play it on the xylophone.” 4. “I prefer to play jumbo golf,” said Durwin, “not miniature.” 5. “I got a part in the school play!” exclaimed Bula. “I’m going to be a pitted olive!” 6. Horace exclaimed, “I can’t believe those mutant gnats actually attacked a rhino!”
7. “I think the reason Maude is a starving artist,” remarked Dodson, “is because she only paints pictures of cephalopods.” 8. “As a member of the Ferret Preservation Society,” remarked Waldo, “I’ve learned to appreciate rodents.” 9. “Doctor,” said Donald to his psychiatrist, “sometimes I think I’m a turnip.” 0. “A pushy officer pulled me over,” blurted Prissy, “and I was only going ninety-five in a school zone!” . “I’ve noticed,” observed Egbert, “that clocks always run clockwise.” 2. “I just heard a cow bark,” remarked Opal. “It sounded like a Chihuahua!” 3. Wilamena excitedly told her mother, “For Halloween, I’m going to be a grilled cheese sandwich!”
4. “I bought a new mouse for my computer,” muttered Mortimer Duncely, “but it crawls all over my monitor.” 5. C

Exercise 2 (pp. 236-237)

. “ Large roaches,” Hubert noted, “sometimes feed on cattle.” 2. Timmy cried, “I want a pony for my birthday!” However, his parents gave him a pack of gum instead. 3. “I have insomnia,” yawned Ronald, “but it doesn’t keep me up at night.” 4. “Ostriches with fleas,” remarked Louise, “are often ostracized by their peers.” 5. “I have a pet turtle,” announced Roland, “and he looks just like my grandfather.” 6. “ I wish Christmas would come in July,” whined Lizzy, “so the shops wouldn’t be so busy.” 7. “The reason my bulldog’s face is flat,” admitted Barker, “is because he chases parked cars.” 8. “Sometimes I wish I were the windshield, not the bug,” moaned Dudley. 9. “Instead of wearing a hat with my outfit,” said Rhoda, “sometimes I prefer to wear a matching toad.” 0. C . “I was shocked,” said Holly, “when the principal shouted, ‘We’re having a meteorite storm! Take cover!’” 2. “For my poetry presentation,” said Scuzzy, “I would like to read a selection entitled ‘Dustmites.’” 3. Vinnie inquired, “Why is it impossible to tickle yourself?” 4. “I was so excited when Arnold looked into my eyes!” Zoey exclaimed. “I was crushed, though, when he told me that I had a piece of spinach between my teeth.” 5. The guide shouted, “Watch out for the killer chiggers!”

Exercise 3 (p. 237)
At the County Fair, Senator Sham was campaigning furiously for his shaky reelection bid. “Senator,” asked one reporter, “will you raise taxes if you’re reelected?” “That’s a good question,” the senator replied, trying to look thoughtful. “So let me give you a straight answer. I
don’t intend to raise taxes unless, of course, in case of a serious situation like war or rain or something. However, even then I won’t, unless I do.”
The reporter looked puzzled but continued. “Will you support education?”
“Of course, I think that every young person should be illiterate enough to read and write.” “Also, Senator, how do you intend to handle the budget?” “Simple. Let me give you some concrete ways. I’ll make a detailed budget that’s within budget. First, I’ll clean
out the attic and sweep out the dust. Then I’ll budget for the budget with funds from various funds.
“And one last question, Senator. How do you explain your recent criminal conviction?” The senator’s tanned face turned slightly pale. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t hear that last question,” he finally
stammered, and in a flash he was off to kiss a nearby baby and hug a retired person.