Speech first: punctuation rules
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can punctuate a speech first sentence.
Key learning points
- Direct speech is the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text.
- There is a set of rules for how to accurately punctuate direct speech.
- 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.
- If direct speech comes first in a sentence with the reporting clause second, it can be called a speech first sentence.
Keywords
Direct speech - the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text
Reporting clause - a clause that tells the reader who said the speech and how
Clause - a group of words that contains a verb
Speech first sentence - a sentence that includes direct speech first before the reporting clause
Inverted commas - a pair of punctuation marks that signals direct speech to the reader
Common misconception
Pupils may not know what 'speech first' means.
Explain that if the direct speech opens or comes first in the sentence with the reporting clause afterwards or second, this can be referred to as a speech first sentence.
Teacher tip
Ensure that you use the same graphic representation of the speech first sentence (as shown in the slides) consistently in all grammar and writing lessons to support retention.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When a character speaks out loud in a text, what is it called?
Q2.Which part of the following sentence is the direct speech? '"I'm frightened" the little boy nervously told his mum.'
Q3.Which word instead of 'said' has been used in the following sentence? '"Don't worry" his mum replied kindly.'
Q4.What are these " " punctuation marks called?
Q5.Why are inverted commas useful?
Q6.Which is the best explanation as to why direct speech can be useful to include in writing?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which part of the following sentence is the direct speech? '"Let me go!" Jerry called out dramatically.'
Q2.Which part of the following sentence is the reporting clause? '"Let me go!" Jerry called out dramatically.'
Q3.Which word instead of 'said' has been used in the following reporting clause? '"So you want to leave, do you?" the menacing man muttered sinisterly.'
Q4.Which adverb has been used in the following reporting clause? '"Instantly!" the boy responded urgently.'
Q5.Which punctuation is missing before the closing inverted commas in the following sentence? '"Where do you want to go " the villain asked.'
Q6.What is missing in the following speech first sentence? '"anywhere you aren't!" Jerry shouted back with more courage than he had ever found before.'
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Speech first: punctuation rules, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Speech first: 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 Speech first punctuation and apostrophes unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.