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Speech first: inverted commas and punctuation rules
I can accurately punctuate a speech first sentence.
Lesson 2 of 3
New
New
- Year 4
Speech first: inverted commas and punctuation rules
I can accurately punctuate a speech first sentence.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Direct speech is the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text.
- A speech first sentence begins with a character's spoken words.
- Inverted commas are the punctuation marks that signal direct speech to the reader.
- The speech sentence spoken by a character must start with a capital letter.
- The reporting clause comes after the speech to show who said the speech and how.
Keywords
Direct speech - the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text
Speech first sentence - a sentence that includes direct speech first before the reporting clause
Inverted commas - a pair of punctuation marks that signal direct speech to the reader
Capital letter - the upper case formation of a letter
Reporting clause - a clause that tells the reader who said the speech sentence and how
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that both the reporting clause and the direct speech begin with a capital letter.
Emphasise that when the speech comes first, the reporting clause has no capital.
Use the graphic representation of the speech first sentence consistently in writing lessons to support retention.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which sentence has both apostrophes for contraction used correctly?
Which sentence has both apostrophes for contraction used correctly?
We do'nt care if it isn't ready.
We don't care if it is'nt ready.
Q2.Match the contracted form to the full form.
Match the contracted form to the full form.
Q3.Which of these sentences use an apostrophe for singular possession (where one noun owns other nouns)?
Which of these sentences use an apostrophe for singular possession (where one noun owns other nouns)?
The beavers' dam was mostly underwater.
The children's work was very difficult.
Q4.Which of these sentences use an apostrophe for plural possession (where more than one noun owns other nouns)?
Which of these sentences use an apostrophe for plural possession (where more than one noun owns other nouns)?
The farmer's tractor was covered in mud.
The doctor's orders were ignored.
Q5.Match the sentence to the way the apostrophe has been used.
Match the sentence to the way the apostrophe has been used.
Q6.Which of these sentences use an apostrophe for plural possession correctly?
Which of these sentences use an apostrophe for plural possession correctly?
The garden's walls were covered in ivy.
The owner's opinion was all that mattered.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In this sentence, which words should have inverted commas around them? What a mess cried Miss Ofoedu.
In this sentence, which words should have inverted commas around them? What a mess cried Miss Ofoedu.
what a
what a mess cried
what a mess cried Miss Ofoedu
Q2.Which of these are the functions of the reporting clause?
Which of these are the functions of the reporting clause?
to show the words the speaker said
to show where the speech begins
Q3.Which of the following sentences are rules for using direct speech?
Which of the following sentences are rules for using direct speech?
always finish the speech with a comma
Q4.Which version below uses all the correct punctuation for this sentence? Stop talking shouted the headteacher loudly.
Which version below uses all the correct punctuation for this sentence? Stop talking shouted the headteacher loudly.
"Stop talking! shouted the headteacher loudly."
"Stop talking"! shouted the headteacher loudly.
Q5.Match each piece of speech to the most appropriate closing punctuation to fill the gap.
Match each piece of speech to the most appropriate closing punctuation to fill the gap.
Q6.Which rule has been broken in this speech first sentence? "I can't believe this" sighed Miss Ofoedu with a shake of her head.
Which rule has been broken in this speech first sentence? "I can't believe this" sighed Miss Ofoedu with a shake of her head.
capital letter at the start of the direct speech
full stop at the end of the reporting clause
