What is speech?

Grammar Toolkit

Speech

Grammar Toolkit

Speech

Direct speech is exactly what someone says.“My record for headers is two hundred in a row.”

Indirect speech reports what someone says, but it may not use the exact words spoken. It does not use quotation marks.

Andrew said his record for headers in a row was two hundred.

Grammar Toolkit

Speech

Punctuate this direct speech.

Brush your teeth,” Dad told us.

The meal was great, Mia said. I think I’ll have seconds.”

“

Write this direct speech as indirect speech.“Brush your teeth,” Dad told us.

“The meal was great,” Mia said.

,”

“ ,” .“ ”Separate speech from unspoken words with a comma, question mark or exclamation mark.

Dad told us to brush our teeth.

Mia said that the meal was great.

Grammar Toolkit

Speech

Written speech between characters is called dialogue.

Rahib became very still. “You are thinking … handball is a stupid game.”

“Wow,” said Ruby, “you really can read minds!”

Nelson couldn’t believe his ears.“No, he can’t,” said Nelson. “Everyone

knows you think handball is a stupid game.”

Begin a new, indented line for each new speaker or for the words just before their speech.

Separate speech from unspoken words with a comma, question mark or exclamation mark.

Don’t use a capital letter for the first word following an interruption in speech.

Place final punctuation marks inside quotation marks.

Write description between two speakers in its own paragraph.

“Will you marry me?” asked the Red Knight.“Yes,” replied the Princess, but rescue me first.”

“Have you finished your homework, Felix?”Mum asked.“No,” replied Felix. “It’s only Thursday night, so there’s plenty of time.”

Suddenly Dad asked, “Who wants to get a pizza?” With one voice we shouted, “Who wouldn’t want a pizza!”

Grammar Toolkit

Speech

Punctuate these questions and answers.“ ?” .“ ,” , “ .”

“ , ?” .“ ,” . “ ,

.”

, “?” , “

!”

Grammar Toolkit

Speech

• Direct speech is exactly what someone says. It is within quotation marks.

• Indirect speech reports what someone says but may not use the exact words spoken. It does not use quotation marks.

• Written speech between characters is called dialogue. To punctuate dialogue:- Begin a new, indented line for each new speaker or for

the words just before the speech.- Separate speech from unspoken words with a comma,

question mark or exclamation mark.- Write any description between two speakers in its own

paragraph.- Don’t use a capital letter for the first word following an

interruption in speech.- Place final punctuation marks inside quotation marks.

Grammar Toolkit

Speech

The End