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

a sentence that includes direct speech second after the reporting clause

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

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

a sentence that includes direct speech first before the reporting clause

Speech second: inverted commas and punctuation rules

English

In this unit, pupils learn to develop their accuracy of using inverted commas in both speech first and speech second sentences. In 'Speech punctuation, parenthesis and apostrophes', pupils will revise their previous learning on apostrophes and learn to punctuate speech interrupted sentences.  

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

Apostrophes and speech punctuation  

Where is the reporting clause found in a speech second sentence? 

What punctuation is missing in this sentence? Jacob sighed angrily "You said that last time!"

What punctuation is missing in this sentence? The elderly man grumbled, "I can't walk that fast anymore"

the comma is missing after the reporting clause

there is no closing punctuation after the direct speech

there is no capital letter at the start of the reporting clause

there is no capital letter at the start of the direct speech

What error has been made in this speech second sentence? Mr Clarke demanded angrily, "who did this?"

Which of the following answers may be included in a reporting clause? 

Miss Ofoedu chuckled happily "I suppose we can after we've finished our work."

Miss Ofoedu chuckled happily, "I suppose we can after we've finished our work."

Miss Ofoedu chuckled happily, "I suppose we can after we've finished our work"

Which version of the sentence below is punctuated correctly as a speech second sentence? 

What is missing from the following speech first sentence? "he did it before I did!" exclaimed Jun in frustration. 

to show how the person is feeling as they speak

What is the purpose of the reporting clause in this sentence? "This is appalling behaviour!" bellowed Mr Clarke angrily. 

Which punctuation mark is most appropriate for the gap in this sentence? "I need a volunteer to help me water these plants__________" said Miss Ofoedu with a smile.

"can I help you?" Aisha asked nervously. 

"Can I help you?" Aisha asked nervously. 

Which option correctly punctuates this idea for a speech first sentence? can I help you Aisha asked nervously

Match the direct speech to the most appropriate reporting clause. 

Match the punctuation mark to the way it is used at the end of direct speech. 

Starter Quiz