Direct Speech: Make Characters Talk

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📚 Learn About Direct Speech

Learning intention: I can use direct speech to show exactly what a character says and punctuate it correctly.

Remember

Speech marks, also called quotation marks, show the exact words spoken.

Punctuation belongs inside the speech marks. Use a comma to separate the spoken words from a speech tag when appropriate. Begin a new paragraph when a different speaker talks.

Worked example

“Please wait here,” said Aroha.

“ = opening speech mark

Please wait here = spoken words

, = comma inside the speech marks

” = closing speech mark

said Aroha = speech tag

✏️ Practise Direct Speech

Practice A: Spot the parts

Underline the spoken words and circle the speech tag in each sentence.

1. “The tide is coming in,” warned Tama.

2. “I found a tuatara footprint!” shouted Mere.

3. “Are you ready for the trip?” asked Hemi.

4. “We can share the last piece,” suggested Ruby.

Practice B: Add the punctuation

Add missing speech marks, commas, capital letters and end punctuation.

5. the coach said pack your water bottle

6. where is my library book asked Isla

7. Leo whispered I can hear something outside

8. watch out yelled Kauri

9. Dad asked are you bringing your jacket

Practice C: Turn indirect speech into direct speech

Rewrite each sentence as direct speech. Use the speech-tag prompt to help you.

10. Hana said that the garden looked beautiful. Use: said Hana

11. Wiremu asked whether we could play outside. Use: asked Wiremu

12. The children shouted that the fireworks had started. Use: shouted the children

🗣️ Practice D: Build the Conversation

Situation: Your characters, Moana and Jack, are exploring a beach when they discover something surprising in a rock pool.

Write a four-line conversation between them. Remember to:

• use at least one question and one exclamation

• use two different speech tags

• begin a new paragraph when the speaker changes

• use speech marks and correct punctuation

Self-check

I used speech marks around the exact words spoken.

I put commas and other punctuation in the correct places.

I used a capital letter at the start of each sentence.

I used speech tags to show who was speaking.

I began a new paragraph when the speaker changed.

Teacher Answer Key

Practice A

1. Spoken words: “The tide is coming in,” Speech tag: warned Tama.

2. Spoken words: “I found a tuatara footprint!” Speech tag: shouted Mere.

3. Spoken words: “Are you ready for the trip?” Speech tag: asked Hemi.

4. Spoken words: “We can share the last piece,” Speech tag: suggested Ruby.

Practice B

5. The coach said, “Pack your water bottle.”

6. “Where is my library book?” asked Isla.

7. Leo whispered, “I can hear something outside.”

8. “Watch out!” yelled Kauri.

9. Dad asked, “Are you bringing your jacket?”

Practice C

10. “The garden looks beautiful,” said Hana.

11. “Can we play outside?” asked Wiremu.

12. “The fireworks have started!” shouted the children.

Practice D

Answers will vary. Look for four lines of conversation, accurate speech marks, punctuation inside the speech marks, at least one question, one exclamation, two different speech tags and a new paragraph for each speaker.