Key learning points

1. Direct speech is the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text.
2. A speech first sentence begins with a character's spoken words.
3. Inverted commas are the punctuation marks that signal direct speech to the reader.
4. The speech sentence spoken by a character must start with a capital letter.
5. The reporting clause comes after the speech to show who said the speech and how.

Keywords

• Direct speech - the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text

• Speech first sentence - a sentence that includes direct speech first before the reporting clause

• Inverted commas - a pair of punctuation marks that signal direct speech to the reader

• Capital letter - the upper case formation of a letter

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

Common misconception