the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text

a clause that tells the reader who said the speech and how

a sentence that includes direct speech first before the reporting clause

a pair of punctuation marks that signals direct speech to the reader

Speech first: punctuation rules

English

In this unit, pupils learn to use the apostrophe for plural possession and inverted commas for direct speech. In 'Speech punctuation and apostrophes', pupils will develop their accuracy of inverted comma use in both speech first and speech second sentences.

In 'Speech punctuation and apostrophes', pupils learnt to use the apostrophe for contraction and for singular possession. In this unit, pupils will learn to use the apostrophe for plural possession and inverted commas for direct speech.

Speech first punctuation and apostrophes

Which part of the following sentence is the **direct speech**? '"Let me go!" Jerry called out dramatically.'

Which part of the following sentence is the **reporting clause**? '"Let me go!" Jerry called out dramatically.'

Which word instead of 'said' has been used in the following reporting clause? '"So you want to leave, do you?" the menacing man muttered sinisterly.'

Which adverb has been used in the following reporting clause? '"Instantly!" the boy responded urgently.'

Which punctuation is missing **before** the closing inverted commas in the following sentence? '"Where do you want to go  " the villain asked.'

a capital letter for the first word of direct speech

What is missing in the following speech first sentence? '"anywhere you aren't!" Jerry shouted back with more courage than he had ever found before.'

When a character speaks out loud in a text, what is it called?

Which part of the following sentence is the **direct speech**? '"I'm frightened" the little boy nervously told his mum.'

Which word instead of 'said' has been used in the following sentence? '"Don't worry" his mum replied kindly.'

What are these **" "** punctuation marks called?

to signal the direct speech to the reader

to tell the reader the synonym for 'said' that the writer used

Direct speech helps us understand less about a character's feelings & behaviour.

Direct speech helps us understand how a character moves.

Direct speech helps us understand where a story is set.

Direct speech helps us understand more about a character's feelings & behaviour.

Which is the best explanation as to why direct speech can be useful to include in writing?

Starter Quiz