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Speech second: inverted commas and punctuation rules
I can accurately punctuate a speech second sentence.
Lesson 3 of 3
New
New
- Year 4
Speech second: inverted commas and punctuation rules
I can accurately punctuate a speech second sentence.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Direct speech is the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text.
- A speech second sentence begins with the reporting clause followed by a character's spoken words.
- The reporting clause comes before the speech to show who said the speech and how.
- The speech sentence spoken by a character must start with a capital letter.
Keywords
Direct speech - the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text
Speech second sentence - a sentence that includes direct speech second after the reporting clause
Inverted commas - a pair of punctuation marks that signal direct speech to the reader
Reporting clause - a clause that tells the reader who said the speech sentence and how
Speech first sentence - a sentence that includes direct speech first before the reporting clause
Common misconception
Pupils may omit the comma after the reporting clause, or they may use a comma to end the sentence.
Reinforce the point that commas are never used to close a sentence, even in speech second sentences.
Display the graphic representations of speech first and speech second sentences in the classroom so that pupils can refer to them when writing and editing.
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.What is missing from the following speech first sentence? "he did it before I did!" exclaimed Jun in frustration.
What is missing from the following speech first sentence? "he did it before I did!" exclaimed Jun in frustration.
inverted commas
a full stop
a comma
Q2.What is the purpose of the reporting clause in this sentence? "This is appalling behaviour!" bellowed Mr Clarke angrily.
What is the purpose of the reporting clause in this sentence? "This is appalling behaviour!" bellowed Mr Clarke angrily.
to show what the person said
Q3.Which punctuation mark is most appropriate for the gap in this sentence? "I need a volunteer to help me water these plants__________" said Miss Ofoedu with a smile.
Which punctuation mark is most appropriate for the gap in this sentence? "I need a volunteer to help me water these plants__________" said Miss Ofoedu with a smile.
!
.
?
Q4.Which option correctly punctuates this idea for a speech first sentence? can I help you Aisha asked nervously
Which option correctly punctuates this idea for a speech first sentence? can I help you Aisha asked nervously
"can I help you?" Aisha asked nervously.
"Can I help you" Aisha asked nervously.
Q5.Match the direct speech to the most appropriate reporting clause.
Match the direct speech to the most appropriate reporting clause.
Q6.Match the punctuation mark to the way it is used at the end of direct speech.
Match the punctuation mark to the way it is used at the end of direct speech.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where is the reporting clause found in a speech second sentence?
Where is the reporting clause found in a speech second sentence?
at the end
in the middle
Q2.What punctuation is missing in this sentence? Jacob sighed angrily "You said that last time!"
What punctuation is missing in this sentence? Jacob sighed angrily "You said that last time!"
a full stop
inverted commas
exclamation mark
Q3.What punctuation is missing in this sentence? The elderly man grumbled, "I can't walk that fast anymore"
What punctuation is missing in this sentence? The elderly man grumbled, "I can't walk that fast anymore"
inverted commas
question mark
comma
Q4.What error has been made in this speech second sentence? Mr Clarke demanded angrily, "who did this?"
What error has been made in this speech second sentence? Mr Clarke demanded angrily, "who did this?"
the comma is missing after the reporting clause
there is no closing punctuation after the direct speech
there is no capital letter at the start of the reporting clause
Q5.Which of the following answers may be included in a reporting clause?
Which of the following answers may be included in a reporting clause?
the words they spoke
Q6.Which version of the sentence below is punctuated correctly as a speech second sentence?
Which version of the sentence below is punctuated correctly as a speech second sentence?
Miss Ofoedu chuckled happily "I suppose we can after we've finished our work."
Miss Ofoedu chuckled happily, "I suppose we can after we've finished our work"
