📝 Part 1: Direct Speech Rules

1. Which sentence uses direct speech correctly?

"I can't wait for the school holidays, said Emma.

"I can't wait for the school holidays," said Emma.

I can't wait for the school holidays, said Emma.

2. What punctuation marks are needed for direct speech? (Tick all that apply)

Quotation marks (" ")

Capital letters

Commas or full stops

Brackets ( )

3. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence:

"Where are you going?" Asked James.

"Where are you going? asked James.

"Where are you going?" asked James.

4. Fix this sentence by adding the correct punctuation:

The farmer shouted Watch out for that bull

✏️ Part 2: Writing Direct Speech

5. Complete this conversation between two friends at the Palmerston North markets. Add the missing quotation marks and punctuation:

Look at those huge pumpkins! exclaimed Sarah.

They must weigh at least 10 kilograms each replied Tom.

Should we buy one for our family asked Sarah.

6. Write a short conversation (3-4 lines) between a student and teacher about a school trip to Te Papa Museum. Use correct direct speech punctuation.

7. Create dialogue for this situation: You discover a talking kiwi bird in the Manawatu bush. Write what you and the kiwi might say to each other (4-5 lines).

🌟 Part 3: Creative Challenge

Extension Activity: Write a short story (6-8 sentences) about two characters planning a surprise party. Include at least 4 examples of direct speech with perfect punctuation. Make your dialogue show the characters' personalities!