Punctuating Direct Speech
English · Grammar & Punctuation · procedural
Punctuate direct speech using inverted commas (speech marks), understanding that direct speech records the exact words spoken and must be enclosed in punctuation marks
What mastery looks like
- Place inverted commas around the spoken words in a sentence (e.g., "Let's go!" shouted Tom.)
- Write a sentence containing direct speech with correct punctuation including a reporting clause (e.g., Mum said, "Time for bed.")
- Identify direct speech in a text and explain what the inverted commas show
Check your understanding
When Punctuating Direct Speech writes down something a character said in a story, do they put speech marks around the exact words — like "Come here," she called — and use the correct punctuation inside?
Prerequisites
Required first
Helpful