Direct Speech: Speech Marks and Exciting Conversations
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Direct Speech: Speech Marks and Exciting Conversations
📚 Part 1: Add the Speech Marks and Punctuation
Direct speech shows the exact words a character says. Put speech marks around those words. Place the punctuation inside the closing speech mark. When the speech tag comes after the spoken words, use a comma for a statement.
Models:
“The ancient map reveals a hidden cave,” said Hana.
“Could the glowing stone unlock the gate?” asked Leo.
“Run before the lava reaches us!” shouted Aria.
A statement normally ends with a full stop, but when a speech tag follows it, the full stop changes to a comma. Question marks and exclamation marks stay inside the closing speech mark.
Rewrite each sentence correctly. Add capital letters, speech marks and punctuation.
✏️ Part 2: Choose the Correctly Punctuated Sentence
Circle the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
🌋 Part 3: Create a Short Conversation
Write a conversation of 4–6 lines between two characters from your narrative you are currently writing - it doesn't mean you have to include this, it's just for practice!
Remember:
• Start a new line or paragraph when a new speaker talks.
• Use speech marks around the exact words spoken.
• Put punctuation inside the closing speech mark.
• Place the speech tag after the spoken words.
☐ I used double speech marks around the exact words spoken.
☐ I used a capital letter at the start of each spoken sentence.
☐ I put commas, question marks or exclamation marks inside the closing speech mark.
☐ I placed the speech tag after the spoken words.
☐ I started a new line for each new speaker.
✅ Answer Key
Practice 1:
1. “The expedition begins at dawn,” said Tama.
2. “Where did the mysterious artefact come from?” asked Ruby.
3. “Watch out for the falling rocks!” yelled Kauri.
4. “The dragon is guarding the crystal bridge,” whispered Moana.
5. “Can you steer the boat through the storm?” asked Felix.
6. “We have discovered a new volcanic landscape,” announced Priya.
7. “Hurry! The rescue ladder is breaking!” cried Jack.
8. “The silver compass points towards the frozen cavern,” explained Isla.
Practice 2:
9. B
10. A
11. A
12. A
13. A
14. A
15. A
16. A
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