Speech first: inverted commas and punctuation rules
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can accurately punctuate a speech first sentence.
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.
Teacher tip
Use the graphic representation of the speech first sentence consistently in writing lessons to support retention.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which sentence has both apostrophes for contraction used correctly?
Q2.Match the contracted form to the full form.
was not
will not
would have
were not
Q3.Which of these sentences use an apostrophe for singular possession (where one noun owns other nouns)?
Q4.Which of these sentences use an apostrophe for plural possession (where more than one noun owns other nouns)?
Q5.Match the sentence to the way the apostrophe has been used.
She didn't know the answer.
The teachers' meeting went on for hours.
Andeep's mum came to collect us.
Q6.Which of these sentences use an apostrophe for plural possession correctly?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In this sentence, which words should have inverted commas around them? What a mess cried Miss Ofoedu.
Q2.Which of these are the functions of the reporting clause?
Q3.Which of the following sentences are rules for using direct speech?
Q4.Which version below uses all the correct punctuation for this sentence? Stop talking shouted the headteacher loudly.
Q5.Match each piece of speech to the most appropriate closing punctuation to fill the gap.
"What's wrong __________ " asked Jun kindly.
"Shush___________" hissed Andeep with an aggressive tone.
"We're going home ___________" sighed Jacob.
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.
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Speech first: inverted commas and punctuation rules, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Speech first: inverted commas and punctuation rules, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the Apostrophes and speech punctuation unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.