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Writing with Direct Speech

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Writing with Direct Speech

Recognising and punctuating direct speech

Choose the best answer where options are given. Use quotation marks around the exact words spoken, and check capitals and punctuation.

1.Which sentence punctuates the spoken words and speech tag correctly?

“The tide is coming in,” warned Hana.
“The tide is coming in” warned Hana.
The tide is coming in, “warned Hana.”

2.Select all the features that are commonly needed when writing direct speech.

Quotation marks around the spoken words
A capital letter at the start of the spoken sentence
Punctuation inside the closing quotation mark
Brackets around the speaker’s name

3.Choose the sentence with correct punctuation and capitalisation.

“Have you packed your lunch?” asked Tane.
“Have you packed your lunch?” Asked Tane.
“Have you packed your lunch? asked Tane.”

4.Add the punctuation needed to show exactly what the ranger said: The ranger called Keep behind the safety rope

Writing dialogue

5.Rewrite each line as correctly punctuated direct speech. Keep the words and speakers the same. The train is almost here said Hemi. I can hear it replied Aisha. Do you have our tickets asked Hemi.

6.Write a four-line conversation between a student and a teacher arranging a visit to a local art gallery. Use direct speech punctuation in every line.

7.Imagine you meet a curious kea on a walking track. Write four or five lines of dialogue between you and the bird. Use quotation marks and suitable punctuation throughout.

Creative challenge

8.Write a short story of six to eight sentences about two friends organising a surprise celebration. Include at least four correctly punctuated examples of direct speech, and let the dialogue reveal something about each character.