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Primary English · Year 4Chapter 5 · Direct speech
Year 4 · Chapter 5

Direct speech

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Put inverted commas round the exact words someone says, and keep the reporting clause outside them
  • Put the comma, question mark or exclamation mark inside the closing inverted commas, and never a full stop there
  • Put a comma after a reporting clause that comes first, and a capital letter at the start of the speech
  • Split a speech with its reporting clause in the middle, and choose a small letter or a capital letter for the second part
  • Choose said, asked or shouted to fit the speech, and name the marks and the parts of direct speech correctly
  • Write a line of direct speech from memory, and check its marks one by one

You should already know

  • Inverted commas for spoken words and the reporting clause (Year 3, Chapter 5)
  • Clauses, sentences and capital letters (Year 3, Chapter 4)
  • Plurals and possession (Chapter 4 of this book)

Where this leads

  • Fronted adverbials, and the comma after them (Chapter 6)
  • Writing dialogue in stories, and starting a new line for each speaker (Chapter 11)
  • Proof-reading speech for punctuation (Chapter 12)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 2 English, Year 4. Content: Use inverted commas (speech marks) to show the exact words that are spoken (direct speech), Punctuate direct speech: a comma, question mark or exclamation mark inside the closing inverted commas, and the comma after a reporting clause that comes first, Punctuate a speech that is split by its reporting clause, with a comma inside the first part, or a full stop after the reporting clause when a new sentence begins, Use capital letters for the first word of speech and of each new sentence in speech, Use reporting clauses with said or asked (and similar verbs such as shouted), placed before, after or in the middle, Use the terms direct speech, reporting clause, inverted commas and speech marks, Write from memory a simple sentence of direct speech, using the taught punctuation.

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWrite the name of the mark that ends a question.
2
FWrite the short form of I am, with an apostrophe.
3
FWrite the verb in this sentence: The children cheered loudly.
4
FWrite the plural of child.
5
PSWrite a sentence that ends with an exclamation mark. Accept any correct sentence that ends with an exclamation mark, for example: What a big dog!
5.1

Inverted commas and the spoken words

Year 4
Use inverted commas to show the exact words someone says (direct speech), Use the terms direct speech, inverted commas, speech marks and reporting clause
Video lesson: Inverted commas and the spoken wordsComing soon
Story. Zainab and Kofi are at the swings. Zainab calls, "Come and push me!" Kofi laughs and says, "I am coming now." Their words are written exactly as they were said.

Direct speech shows the exact words that someone says. The spoken words go inside inverted commas, which are also called speech marks: "Hello".

The words that tell us who is speaking, such as said Mia, are the reporting clause. They stay outside the inverted commas.

If the spoken words start a sentence, the first word of the speech has a capital letter.

Part of the sentenceWhat it isExample
spoken wordsthe exact words, inside the inverted commas"Hello," said Mia.
reporting clausewho speaks, outside the inverted commassaid Mia
end markcomma, question mark or exclamation mark, inside the closing inverted commas"Hello!" said Mia.
"Hello,"the spoken wordssaid Mia.the reporting clause
The spoken words are inside the inverted commas. The reporting clause tells who spoke, and it sits outside them.

Key ideas

  • Inverted commas (also called speech marks) go round the exact words that are spoken.
  • The reporting clause tells who spoke, and it stays outside the inverted commas.
  • If the spoken words start a sentence, the first word of the speech has a capital letter.
  • The comma, question mark or exclamation mark goes inside the closing inverted commas.
Worked example 5.1.1
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Good morning said Zainab

Method. Put the spoken words in inverted commas, then add the reporting clause after them.

  1. Find the spoken words. These are the exact words that are said. They go inside the inverted commas.
    "Good morning"
  2. Put the end mark inside the closing inverted commas. The comma belongs to the spoken words, so it goes before the closing inverted commas.
    "Good morning,"
  3. Add the reporting clause. It tells who spoke. It sits outside the inverted commas, after the speech.
    said Zainab
  4. Finish with a full stop. The sentence ends with a full stop after the reporting clause.
    "Good morning," said Zainab.
  5. Write the answer.
    "Good morning," said Zainab.

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. The comma, question mark or exclamation mark goes inside the closing inverted commas, never after them.

Worked example 5.1.2
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Kofi calls Time for tea

Method. Write the reporting clause, a comma, then the spoken words in inverted commas.

  1. Find the reporting clause. It tells who speaks, and it comes first.
    Kofi calls
  2. Put a comma after the reporting clause. A comma separates the reporting clause from the spoken words.
    Kofi calls,
  3. Put inverted commas round the spoken words. The first spoken word has a capital letter, and the end mark goes inside the closing inverted commas.
    Kofi calls, "Time for tea."
  4. Write the answer.
    Kofi calls, "Time for tea."

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. Do not add a full stop after the closing inverted commas when the end mark is already inside them.

Worked example 5.1.3
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Where is my hat asked Fatima

Method. Put the spoken words in inverted commas, then add the reporting clause after them.

  1. Find the spoken words. These are the exact words that are said. They go inside the inverted commas.
    "Where is my hat"
  2. Put the end mark inside the closing inverted commas. The question mark belongs to the spoken words, so it goes before the closing inverted commas.
    "Where is my hat?"
  3. Add the reporting clause. It tells who spoke. It sits outside the inverted commas, after the speech.
    asked Fatima
  4. Finish with a full stop. The sentence ends with a full stop after the reporting clause.
    "Where is my hat?" asked Fatima.
  5. Write the answer.
    "Where is my hat?" asked Fatima.

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. The comma, question mark or exclamation mark goes inside the closing inverted commas, never after them.

Watch out

Watch out: the inverted commas go round only the spoken words. In "Good morning," said Zainab. the words said Zainab are outside the marks. Do not put the reporting clause inside them.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Read the sentence aloud. Ask your child: who is speaking? The reporting clause (who spoke) stays outside the marks, and the words the speaker says go inside.

Exercise 5A  Practice: inverted commas and the spoken words

1
FWrite the exact words that are said in this sentence, with their end mark: "Can we go now?" asked Oliver.
2
FWrite the exact words that are said in this sentence, with their end mark: Ravi says, "We are going to the shop."
3
FWrite the reporting clause in this sentence: "Our bus is here," said Priya.
4
FWrite two names for the marks that go round the exact words someone says.
5
FWrite the name for the words that tell who is speaking, such as said Priya.
6
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: The bus is late said Arjun
7
PSAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Aisha says Take your umbrella
8
PSOliver writes: "the sun is hot," said Chloe. Is it right? Explain.
9
PSRavi writes: Hello, said Sam. Is it right? Explain.
10
RExplain why the reporting clause said Chloe is outside the inverted commas in "We can swim today," said Chloe.
11
RWrite the words inside the inverted commas in this sentence, with their comma: "Look at this," said Fatima.
5.2

The end mark inside the closing inverted commas

Year 4
Put a comma, question mark or exclamation mark inside the closing inverted commas, Know that a full stop is not used inside the closing inverted commas when the reporting clause follows, Know that no comma follows a question mark or exclamation mark in speech
Video lesson: The end mark inside the closing inverted commasComing soon
Story. Oliver finds a red kite in the park. He shouts, "Look what I found!" His sister Amira asks, "Whose is it?"

The mark at the end of the spoken words goes inside the closing inverted commas. Three marks can go there: a comma, a question mark or an exclamation mark.

When the reporting clause comes after the speech, the speech ends with a comma, question mark or exclamation mark. The whole sentence then ends with a full stop, after the reporting clause.

End markWhen it is usedExample
commaa statement, followed by the reporting clause"We are almost home," said Aisha.
question markthe speech asks a question"Who has the red pen?" asked Kofi.
exclamation markthe speech shows a strong feeling"Well done everyone!" cheered Dan.
"Who has the red pen?"speech with its mark insideasked Kofi.reporting clause, then a full stop
The question mark is inside the closing inverted commas. No comma follows it.

Key ideas

  • A comma, question mark or exclamation mark goes inside the closing inverted commas.
  • When the reporting clause follows, use a comma inside the marks, not a full stop: "Hello," said Mia.
  • A question mark or exclamation mark already ends the speech, so no comma follows it.
  • The whole sentence ends with a full stop after the reporting clause.
Worked example 5.2.1
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Look at the rainbow shouted Tom

Method. Put the spoken words in inverted commas, then add the reporting clause after them.

  1. Find the spoken words. These are the exact words that are said. They go inside the inverted commas.
    "Look at the rainbow"
  2. Put the end mark inside the closing inverted commas. The exclamation mark belongs to the spoken words, so it goes before the closing inverted commas.
    "Look at the rainbow!"
  3. Add the reporting clause. It tells who spoke. It sits outside the inverted commas, after the speech.
    shouted Tom
  4. Finish with a full stop. The sentence ends with a full stop after the reporting clause.
    "Look at the rainbow!" shouted Tom.
  5. Write the answer.
    "Look at the rainbow!" shouted Tom.

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. The comma, question mark or exclamation mark goes inside the closing inverted commas, never after them.

Worked example 5.2.2
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Are you coming with us asked Priya

Method. Put the spoken words in inverted commas, then add the reporting clause after them.

  1. Find the spoken words. These are the exact words that are said. They go inside the inverted commas.
    "Are you coming with us"
  2. Put the end mark inside the closing inverted commas. The question mark belongs to the spoken words, so it goes before the closing inverted commas.
    "Are you coming with us?"
  3. Add the reporting clause. It tells who spoke. It sits outside the inverted commas, after the speech.
    asked Priya
  4. Finish with a full stop. The sentence ends with a full stop after the reporting clause.
    "Are you coming with us?" asked Priya.
  5. Write the answer.
    "Are you coming with us?" asked Priya.

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. The comma, question mark or exclamation mark goes inside the closing inverted commas, never after them.

Worked example 5.2.3
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: I found two shells They are white said Leo

Method. Put the spoken words in inverted commas, then add the reporting clause after them.

  1. Find the spoken words. These are the exact words that are said. They go inside the inverted commas.
    "I found two shells. They are white"
  2. Put the end mark inside the closing inverted commas. The comma belongs to the spoken words, so it goes before the closing inverted commas.
    "I found two shells. They are white,"
  3. Add the reporting clause. It tells who spoke. It sits outside the inverted commas, after the speech.
    said Leo
  4. Finish with a full stop. The sentence ends with a full stop after the reporting clause.
    "I found two shells. They are white," said Leo.
  5. Write the answer.
    "I found two shells. They are white," said Leo.

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. The comma, question mark or exclamation mark goes inside the closing inverted commas, never after them.

Watch out

Watch out: a full stop is never used inside the closing inverted commas when the reporting clause follows. "Hello." said Mia. is wrong. "Hello," said Mia. is right.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Read the speech aloud and ask: what mark ends the spoken words? That mark goes inside the closing inverted commas. The full stop comes at the very end of the whole sentence.

Exercise 5B  Practice: the end mark inside the inverted commas

1
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: We are almost home said Aisha
2
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Who has the red pen asked Kofi
3
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Well done everyone cheered Dan
4
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: It is raining Take a coat said Mum
5
PSAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: I can see the moon It is full whispered Zainab
6
FAdd the missing mark inside the closing inverted commas: "Are you ready" asked Dad.
7
FAdd the missing mark inside the closing inverted commas: "Wait for me" said Sam.
8
PSTom writes: "Hello." said Sam. Is it right? Explain.
9
PSRavi writes: "Are you ready?", asked Dad. Is it right? Explain.
10
PSMia writes: "Can we go now" asked Ben. Is it right? Explain.
11
RExplain why there is no comma after the question mark in "Where are you?" asked Ben.
12
RAli says: A full stop goes inside the closing inverted commas when the reporting clause follows. Is Ali right? Explain.
5.3

The reporting clause first, with a comma after it

Year 4
Put a comma after a reporting clause that comes before the speech, Start the speech with a capital letter, and put its end mark inside the closing inverted commas, Choose asked for a question and said, shouted or cheered to fit the speech
Video lesson: The reporting clause first, with a comma after itComing soon
Story. Aisha and Ravi plan a picnic. Aisha says, "We can take sandwiches and fruit." Ravi asks, "Shall we bring a blanket?" Aisha smiles and says, "That is a good plan!"

The reporting clause can also come first. Then it is followed by a comma, and the spoken words begin with inverted commas.

The first word of the speech has a capital letter, because the speech is a new sentence. The end mark goes inside the closing inverted commas, and no full stop follows them.

Asked is a good choice for a question. Said is often used for a statement. Shouted and cheered also work, because they are reporting verbs too.

Reporting clause firstExampleWhat to notice
a statementMum calls, "Dinner is ready."comma after calls; capital D; full stop inside the marks
a questionArjun asked, "Shall we walk to the park?"question mark inside the marks; no full stop after them
an exclamationTom shouted, "What a lovely day!"exclamation mark inside the marks; no comma after it
Mum calls,reporting clause, then comma"Dinner is ready."speech with its end mark
The comma comes after the reporting clause, before the opening inverted commas.

Key ideas

  • When the reporting clause comes first, put a comma after it, before the opening inverted commas.
  • The first word of the speech has a capital letter, because it is a new sentence.
  • The end mark goes inside the closing inverted commas. No full stop follows the closing inverted commas.
  • Asked suits a question. Said, shouted and cheered are other reporting verbs.
Worked example 5.3.1
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Mum calls Dinner is ready

Method. Write the reporting clause, a comma, then the spoken words in inverted commas.

  1. Find the reporting clause. It tells who speaks, and it comes first.
    Mum calls
  2. Put a comma after the reporting clause. A comma separates the reporting clause from the spoken words.
    Mum calls,
  3. Put inverted commas round the spoken words. The first spoken word has a capital letter, and the end mark goes inside the closing inverted commas.
    Mum calls, "Dinner is ready."
  4. Write the answer.
    Mum calls, "Dinner is ready."

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. Do not add a full stop after the closing inverted commas when the end mark is already inside them.

Worked example 5.3.2
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Arjun asked Shall we walk to the park

Method. Write the reporting clause, a comma, then the spoken words in inverted commas.

  1. Find the reporting clause. It tells who speaks, and it comes first.
    Arjun asked
  2. Put a comma after the reporting clause. A comma separates the reporting clause from the spoken words.
    Arjun asked,
  3. Put inverted commas round the spoken words. The first spoken word has a capital letter, and the end mark goes inside the closing inverted commas.
    Arjun asked, "Shall we walk to the park?"
  4. Write the answer.
    Arjun asked, "Shall we walk to the park?"

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. Do not add a full stop after the closing inverted commas when the end mark is already inside them.

Worked example 5.3.3
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Tom shouted What a lovely day

Method. Write the reporting clause, a comma, then the spoken words in inverted commas.

  1. Find the reporting clause. It tells who speaks, and it comes first.
    Tom shouted
  2. Put a comma after the reporting clause. A comma separates the reporting clause from the spoken words.
    Tom shouted,
  3. Put inverted commas round the spoken words. The first spoken word has a capital letter, and the end mark goes inside the closing inverted commas.
    Tom shouted, "What a lovely day!"
  4. Write the answer.
    Tom shouted, "What a lovely day!"

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. Do not add a full stop after the closing inverted commas when the end mark is already inside them.

Watch out

Watch out: the comma after the reporting clause is needed. Arjun asked, "Shall we walk to the park?" Do not write Arjun asked "Shall we walk to the park?" with no comma.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to say the reporting clause, then pause, then say the speech. The pause is the comma. Then ask which mark ends the speech.

Exercise 5C  Practice: the reporting clause first

1
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Ali says The tea is hot
2
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Chloe asked Can I help you
3
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Kofi cheered Hooray
4
PSAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Fatima said We won the match We are happy
5
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Mum asks Who wants a biscuit
6
PSWrite the reporting clause that goes before this speech. Use the verb asked and the name Oliver. "Is the library open?"
7
FBen writes: Ben says "Come here." Is it right? Explain.
8
PSAmira writes: Amira asked, "Where is the bus" Is it right? Explain.
9
RWhich reporting verb fits this question better: said or asked? Write your choice and say why. "Do you like pizza?"
10
RExplain why there is no comma after the exclamation mark in Tom shouted, "What a lovely day!"
11
PSWrite one sentence of direct speech with the reporting clause first, and a question inside the speech. Accept any correct sentence that has a comma after the reporting clause and a question mark inside the closing inverted commas, for example: Ruby asked, "Where is my bag?"
5.4

The reporting clause in the middle

Year 4
Split a speech with its reporting clause in the middle, with a comma inside the first part, Use a small letter for the second part when the same sentence goes on, Use a full stop after the reporting clause, and a capital letter, when a new sentence starts
Video lesson: The reporting clause in the middleComing soon
Story. At the beach, Dad calls, "Hurry," and Sam runs over. "The tide is coming in," says Dad, "so we must go now."

Sometimes the reporting clause comes in the middle of the speech. It splits the spoken words into two parts.

If the first part ends with a comma, the same sentence goes on. The comma goes inside the first closing inverted commas, and the second part starts with a small letter.

If the first part ends with a question mark or an exclamation mark, a new sentence starts. A full stop then follows the reporting clause, and the second part starts with a capital letter.

SituationExampleWhat to notice
the same sentence goes on"Hurry," said Sam, "or we will be late."comma inside the first part; small letter o in or
a new sentence starts"Are you ready?" asked Dad. "We must leave now."question mark inside; full stop after asked Dad; capital W
"Hurry,"first part, comma insidesaid Sam,reporting clause, then comma"or we will be late."second part, small letter
The reporting clause sits in the middle of one sentence of speech.

Key ideas

  • A speech can be split by its reporting clause: the first part, the reporting clause, then the second part.
  • When the first part ends with a comma, the second part starts with a small letter.
  • When the first part ends with a question or exclamation mark, a full stop follows the reporting clause.
  • When a new sentence starts, the second part begins with a capital letter.
Worked example 5.4.1
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Hurry said Sam or we will be late

Method. Split the spoken words at the reporting clause, then punctuate each part.

  1. Find the two parts of the speech. The reporting clause sits between the two parts.
    Hurry | or we will be late
  2. Put a comma inside the first part. The same sentence goes on, so the first part ends with a comma inside its closing inverted commas.
    "Hurry,"
  3. Add the reporting clause and its comma. The reporting clause tells who spoke. A comma follows it.
    said Sam,
  4. Put inverted commas round the second part. The second part starts with a small letter, because the same sentence goes on.
    "or we will be late."
  5. Write the answer.
    "Hurry," said Sam, "or we will be late."

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. The comma goes inside the first closing inverted commas. The second part starts with a small letter.

Worked example 5.4.2
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Wait for me called Ali and then we can go

Method. Split the spoken words at the reporting clause, then punctuate each part.

  1. Find the two parts of the speech. The reporting clause sits between the two parts.
    Wait for me | and then we can go
  2. Put a comma inside the first part. The same sentence goes on, so the first part ends with a comma inside its closing inverted commas.
    "Wait for me,"
  3. Add the reporting clause and its comma. The reporting clause tells who spoke. A comma follows it.
    called Ali,
  4. Put inverted commas round the second part. The second part starts with a small letter, because the same sentence goes on.
    "and then we can go."
  5. Write the answer.
    "Wait for me," called Ali, "and then we can go."

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. The comma goes inside the first closing inverted commas. The second part starts with a small letter.

Worked example 5.4.3
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Are you ready asked Dad We must leave now

Method. Split the speech at the reporting clause. A question or exclamation ends the first part, so a full stop follows.

  1. Find the two parts of the speech. The first part ends with a question or exclamation mark, so the second part is a new sentence.
    Are you ready | We must leave now
  2. Put the end mark inside the first part. The question mark goes inside the closing inverted commas.
    "Are you ready?"
  3. Add the reporting clause and a full stop. The reporting clause ends the first sentence, so a full stop follows it, not a comma.
    asked Dad.
  4. Put inverted commas round the second part. The second part starts with a capital letter, because it is a new sentence.
    "We must leave now."
  5. Write the answer.
    "Are you ready?" asked Dad. "We must leave now."

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. No comma follows a question mark or exclamation mark. Use a full stop after the reporting clause.

Watch out

Watch out: when the same sentence goes on, the second part starts with a small letter: "Hurry," said Sam, "or we will be late." Do not write "Or we will be late."

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Read the speech aloud. Ask: does the second part carry on the same sentence, or does a new one begin? That answer decides the capital letter and the full stop after the reporting clause.

Exercise 5D  Practice: the reporting clause in the middle

1
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Put your shoes on said Mum because the bus is here
2
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Be careful warned Ben the path is wet
3
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Count to ten said Aisha and then open your eyes
4
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Is the door locked asked Kofi Yes I checked it twice
5
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Did you see that asked Ravi It was a hedgehog
6
PSAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Stop running shouted Tom the gate is still open
7
PSAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Where is the cat asked Amira It is asleep in the basket
8
PSRuby writes: "Hurry," said Sam, "Or we will be late." Is it right? Explain.
9
PSAli writes: "Hurry," said Sam, or we will be late." Is it right? Explain.
10
PSFatima writes: "Are you ready?", asked Dad. "We must leave now." Is it right? Explain.
11
RMia writes: "Are you ready?" asked Dad, "We must leave now." Is it right? Explain.
12
RExplain why the second part of "Hurry," said Sam, "or we will be late." starts with a small letter, but the second part of "Are you ready?" asked Dad. "We must leave now." starts with a capital letter.
13
RMia says that in "Are you ready?" asked Dad. "We must leave now." the full stop after asked Dad is a mistake, and a comma should go there. Is she right? Explain.
5.5

Names, questions and exclamations in speech

Year 4
Set off a name used to speak to someone with a comma inside the inverted commas, End a question or an exclamation in speech with the correct mark inside the inverted commas, Choose a reporting verb that fits the speech, such as asked or shouted
Video lesson: Names, questions and exclamations in speechComing soon
Story. Dad calls up the stairs, "Tom, come down now!" Tom shouts back, "Is it ready?" Then Dad laughs and says, "Yes, it is on the table."

A speech can use a name to speak to someone. The name is set off with a comma inside the inverted commas: "Mia, come here."

A question in speech ends with a question mark. A loud or excited line ends with an exclamation mark. Each mark goes inside the closing inverted commas.

Choose a reporting verb that fits. Asked suits a question, and shouted suits a loud line. Verbs such as called and whispered work in the same way.

Kind of speechExampleWhat to notice
name at the start"Mia, come here," said Dad.comma after the name, inside the marks
question with a nameDad asked, "Zainab, where is your bag?"question mark inside; no comma after it
loud line with a name"Stop, look and listen!" shouted Dan.exclamation mark inside; no comma after it
"Mia, come here,"name, then a comma insidesaid Dad.reporting clause
The comma after Mia is inside the inverted commas, because Dad is speaking to Mia.

Key ideas

  • A name used to speak to someone is set off with a comma inside the inverted commas: "Mia, come here."
  • A question in speech ends with a question mark inside the closing inverted commas.
  • An exclamation in speech ends with an exclamation mark inside the closing inverted commas.
  • Choose the reporting verb that fits: asked for a question, shouted for a loud line.
Worked example 5.5.1
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Tom come and see this said Mum

Method. Put the spoken words in inverted commas, then add the reporting clause after them.

  1. Find the spoken words. These are the exact words that are said. They go inside the inverted commas.
    "Tom, come and see this"
  2. Put the end mark inside the closing inverted commas. The comma belongs to the spoken words, so it goes before the closing inverted commas.
    "Tom, come and see this,"
  3. Add the reporting clause. It tells who spoke. It sits outside the inverted commas, after the speech.
    said Mum
  4. Finish with a full stop. The sentence ends with a full stop after the reporting clause.
    "Tom, come and see this," said Mum.
  5. Write the answer.
    "Tom, come and see this," said Mum.

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. The comma, question mark or exclamation mark goes inside the closing inverted commas, never after them.

Worked example 5.5.2
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Mum asked Zainab where is your bag

Method. Write the reporting clause, a comma, then the spoken words in inverted commas.

  1. Find the reporting clause. It tells who speaks, and it comes first.
    Mum asked
  2. Put a comma after the reporting clause. A comma separates the reporting clause from the spoken words.
    Mum asked,
  3. Put inverted commas round the spoken words. The first spoken word has a capital letter, and the end mark goes inside the closing inverted commas.
    Mum asked, "Zainab, where is your bag?"
  4. Write the answer.
    Mum asked, "Zainab, where is your bag?"

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. Do not add a full stop after the closing inverted commas when the end mark is already inside them.

Worked example 5.5.3
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Stop look and listen shouted Dan

Method. Put the spoken words in inverted commas, then add the reporting clause after them.

  1. Find the spoken words. These are the exact words that are said. They go inside the inverted commas.
    "Stop, look and listen"
  2. Put the end mark inside the closing inverted commas. The exclamation mark belongs to the spoken words, so it goes before the closing inverted commas.
    "Stop, look and listen!"
  3. Add the reporting clause. It tells who spoke. It sits outside the inverted commas, after the speech.
    shouted Dan
  4. Finish with a full stop. The sentence ends with a full stop after the reporting clause.
    "Stop, look and listen!" shouted Dan.
  5. Write the answer.
    "Stop, look and listen!" shouted Dan.

Check. Read it aloud: only the spoken words are inside the inverted commas. ✓

Watch out. The comma, question mark or exclamation mark goes inside the closing inverted commas, never after them.

Watch out

Watch out: the comma after the name goes inside the inverted commas: "Mia, come here," said Dad. A name with no comma, as in "Mia come here,", is not correct.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child: is the speaker talking to someone by name? If yes, a comma goes after the name, inside the marks. Then ask: is the line a question, or a loud line? Choose the mark that matches.

Exercise 5E  Practice: names, questions and exclamations

1
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Ali please pass the salt said Dad
2
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Dad asked Chloe do you want a drink
3
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Kofi get your coat shouted Mum
4
PSAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Fatima wait called Ravi the bus is coming
5
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Oliver is that your kite asked Amira
6
PSAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Nina look at the stars said Dad
7
PSWrite the reporting clause, using asked and the name Ruby, to go after this speech. "Are you finished?"
8
PSMia writes: "Mia come here," said Dad. Is it right? Explain.
9
PSBen writes: Dad asks, "Ben, is that your bike? Is it right? Explain.
10
RExplain why there is a comma after Mia in "Mia, come here," said Dad.
11
RRavi says: A name in direct speech never needs a comma. Is Ravi right? Explain.
12
RWrite one question in direct speech that has a name in it. Use a reporting clause with asked before the speech. Accept any correct answer, for example: Mia asked, "Ali, are you ready?"
5.6

Writing speech from memory and checking it

Year 4
Write a line of direct speech from memory, with the taught punctuation, Check the spoken words, the inverted commas, the end mark, the reporting clause and the capital letters, one by one
Video lesson: Writing speech from memory and checking itComing soon
Story. Mrs Ahmed reads a line of speech to her class. Each pupil reads the line on the card, covers it, and writes it from memory. Chloe checks her line for the marks: the inverted commas, the comma after the reporting clause and the end mark inside the closing inverted commas.

Writing a line of speech from memory is a good test. Read the sentence, cover it, and write it again. Then check your writing against the sentence.

Check in this order: the spoken words, the inverted commas round them, the end mark inside the closing inverted commas, the reporting clause and its comma or full stop, and the capital letters.

When a different person starts to speak, start a new line. This helps the reader see who is talking.

CheckQuestion to askExample
spoken wordsAre all the exact words inside the marks?"Hello," said Mia.
end markIs the end mark inside the closing inverted commas?"Hello!" said Mia.
reporting clauseIs it outside the marks, with a comma or full stop?said Mia.
capital letterDoes each new sentence in the speech start with a capital?"Hello," said Mia.
Readthe sentenceCoverthe sentenceWritefrom memoryCheckevery mark
Read the sentence, cover it, write it from memory, then check every mark.

Key ideas

  • Read the sentence, cover it, and write it from memory.
  • Check the spoken words first, then the marks round them.
  • Check the end mark, and check that it is inside the closing inverted commas.
  • Start a new line when a different person speaks.
Worked example 5.6.1
Read this sentence, then cover it and write it from memory, with all its punctuation: Mum says, "Time for bed."

Method. Build the sentence from its parts: spoken words, marks, reporting clause.

  1. Find the spoken words. Read the words that are said, in order.
    Time for bed
  2. Find the reporting clause. It tells who spoke, and it sits outside the inverted commas.
    Mum says
  3. Add the marks and the capital letters. Inverted commas, the end mark inside them, the comma or full stop, and a capital letter for each new sentence.
    Mum says, "Time for bed."
  4. Write the answer.
    Mum says, "Time for bed."

Check. Read the sentence you wrote. Does each mark match its place? ✓

Watch out. Check the marks against the spoken words after you have written them.

Worked example 5.6.2
Read this sentence, then cover it and write it from memory, with all its punctuation: "Hold the rope," said Tom, "it is slippery."

Method. Build the sentence from its parts: spoken words, marks, reporting clause.

  1. Find the spoken words. Read the words that are said, in order.
    Hold the rope / it is slippery
  2. Find the reporting clause. It tells who spoke, and it sits outside the inverted commas.
    said Tom
  3. Add the marks and the capital letters. Inverted commas, the end mark inside them, the comma or full stop, and a capital letter for each new sentence.
    "Hold the rope," said Tom, "it is slippery."
  4. Write the answer.
    "Hold the rope," said Tom, "it is slippery."

Check. Read the sentence you wrote. Does each mark match its place? ✓

Watch out. Check the marks against the spoken words after you have written them.

Worked example 5.6.3
Read this sentence, then cover it and write it from memory, with all its punctuation: "Did you enjoy the film?" asked Mia. "Yes, it was great."

Method. Build the sentence from its parts: spoken words, marks, reporting clause.

  1. Find the spoken words. Read the words that are said, in order.
    Did you enjoy the film / Yes, it was great
  2. Find the reporting clause. It tells who spoke, and it sits outside the inverted commas.
    asked Mia
  3. Add the marks and the capital letters. Inverted commas, the end mark inside them, the comma or full stop, and a capital letter for each new sentence.
    "Did you enjoy the film?" asked Mia. "Yes, it was great."
  4. Write the answer.
    "Did you enjoy the film?" asked Mia. "Yes, it was great."

Check. Read the sentence you wrote. Does each mark match its place? ✓

Watch out. Check the marks against the spoken words after you have written them.

Watch out

Watch out: do not forget the inverted commas after the second part. "Hold the rope," said Tom, "it is slippery." has two pairs of marks, one for each part of the speech.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. If your child cannot read a sentence yet, read it aloud to them first. Your child then covers the words and writes the sentence from memory. Check the marks together, one at a time.

Exercise 5F  Practice: writing speech from memory

1
FRead this sentence, then cover it and write it from memory, with all its punctuation: Mr Lee says, "The bell has rung."
2
FRead this sentence, then cover it and write it from memory, with all its punctuation: "Ready or not," said Ali.
3
FRead this sentence, then cover it and write it from memory, with all its punctuation: "Pass the ball," said Ms Hall, "and then run to the line."
4
FRead this sentence, then cover it and write it from memory, with all its punctuation: "Have you seen my boots?" asked Oliver. "They are by the door."
5
FRead this sentence, then cover it and write it from memory, with all its punctuation: Kofi asked, "Who wants some juice?"
6
FRead this sentence, then cover it and write it from memory, with all its punctuation: "We made a card for Grandma," said Priya.
7
FRead this sentence, then cover it and write it from memory, with all its punctuation: Aisha said, "What a tall tree!"
8
FRead this sentence, then cover it and write it from memory, with all its punctuation: "Fetch the ball," called Ben.
9
PSRead this sentence, then cover it and write it from memory, with all its punctuation: "Mind the step," said Dad, "it is a little wobbly."
10
PSRead this sentence, then cover it and write it from memory, with all its punctuation: "Are you hungry?" asked Dad. "We have pasta."
11
RWrite one sentence of direct speech in which the reporting clause comes in the middle, and the first part is a question. Accept any correct sentence with a question mark inside the first closing inverted commas, a full stop after the reporting clause and a capital letter for the second part, for example: "Are you hungry?" asked Dad. "We have pasta."
12
RExplain how you check a line of direct speech after you have written it from memory.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Direct speechThe exact words someone says, inside inverted commas: "Hello," said Mia.
Reporting clauseTells who speaks and sits outside the inverted commas: said Mia. It can come first, after or in the middle.
End markA comma, question mark or exclamation mark goes inside the closing inverted commas. No comma follows a question or exclamation mark.
Reporting clause firstA comma follows it, before the opening inverted commas: Mum calls, "Dinner is ready."
Reporting clause afterA comma inside the marks, then a full stop after the reporting clause: "Hello," said Mia.
Reporting clause in the middleComma inside the first part, and a small letter if the same sentence goes on. A full stop after the reporting clause, and a capital letter, if a new sentence begins.
Name in speechSet off with a comma inside the inverted commas: "Mia, come here," said Dad.
Capital lettersThe first word of the speech, and of each new sentence in it, has a capital letter.

Can you…?

  • I can put inverted commas round the exact words someone says
  • I can put a comma, question mark or exclamation mark inside the closing inverted commas
  • I can put a comma after a reporting clause that comes first, and a full stop when a new sentence starts
  • I can punctuate speech when the reporting clause comes in the middle
  • I can use a capital letter at the start of each new sentence in speech
  • I can choose a reporting verb that fits, such as said, asked or shouted
  • I can write a line of direct speech from memory, and check its marks one by one

Key terms

direct speech
the exact words that someone says, written inside inverted commas
inverted commas
the marks ("") that go round direct speech; also called speech marks
speech marks
another name for inverted commas, used round the spoken words
reporting clause
the words that tell who speaks, such as said Mia or asked Ben
reporting verb
the verb in a reporting clause, such as said, asked, shouted or whispered
end mark
the comma, question mark or exclamation mark that ends the spoken words, inside the closing inverted commas
capital letter
the large letter used at the start of a sentence, including the first word of a new sentence in speech

Exercise 5Z  Check-up

1
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Good luck everyone said Sam
2
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Ravi asked Are the lights on
3
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Wait by the gate said Mum the taxi is nearly here
4
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Where is my scarf asked Chloe It is in the car
5
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Happy birthday cheered Tom
6
Add the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Arjun close the door said Dad
7
Priya writes: "I like the snow." said Oliver. Is it right? Explain.
8
Kofi writes: Dad asks, "can we go to the shop?" Is it right? Explain.
9
Explain why the mark inside the closing inverted commas must be a question mark, not a comma, in this sentence: "Is it raining?" asked Ella.
10
Write the name for the words that tell who is speaking, such as said Ella.

Total 19 marks. Allow about 19 minutes.

Exercise 5X  Practice test questions

1
FWrite the term for the exact words a speaker says, written inside inverted commas.[1 mark]
2
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Hello there said Fatima[1 mark]
3
FAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Ravi says I am ready[1 mark]
4
PSAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Quick said Dad the train is leaving[2 marks]
5
PSAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Did you lock the car asked Mum Yes I did[2 marks]
6
PSOliver writes: "Look out!" said Tom, "the ball is coming." Is it right? Explain.[2 marks]
7
PSAdd the inverted commas and the other punctuation to this sentence: Dad asks Ella is your coat on[2 marks]
8
PSWrite this sentence correctly: "Hurry" said Sam, "or we will be late[2 marks]
9
RMia writes this sentence: Ben asked, Is it time to go. Write it correctly, and explain the two changes you make.[3 marks]
10
PSWrite one sentence of direct speech with the reporting clause in the middle. The first part must end with a comma, and the second part must carry on the same sentence. Accept any correct sentence, for example: "Hold the lid," said Ali, "until it is cool."[3 marks]
← Chapter 4: Plurals and possessionChapter 6: Fronted adverbials and connecting words →

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