Scribd
Upload
28 views2 pages

Grade 2 English: Using Speech Marks

The document provides instruction on how to properly use quotation marks or inverted commas to indicate direct speech in writing. It explains that quotation marks are used to enclose the exact words being spoken and provides examples of direct speech with reporting clauses. Rules are given for punctuation inside and outside of quotation marks. An exercise is included for students to practice using quotation marks correctly and to rewrite sentences substituting different speech verbs.

Uploaded by

Isha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
28 views2 pages

Grade 2 English: Using Speech Marks

The document provides instruction on how to properly use quotation marks or inverted commas to indicate direct speech in writing. It explains that quotation marks are used to enclose the exact words being spoken and provides examples of direct speech with reporting clauses. Rules are given for punctuation inside and outside of quotation marks. An exercise is included for students to practice using quotation marks correctly and to rewrite sentences substituting different speech verbs.

Uploaded by

Isha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Global Indian International School, Dubai

Grade 2 English

Speech Marks

What are inverted commas?

Inverted commas (sometimes called speech marks or quotation marks) are placed around direct speech to show what a
person is saying.

For example- “Lower please!” I said.

The inverted commas are placed around the spoken words. There is usually a reporting clause before or after the
speech. This is the part of the sentence that tells the reader who is speaking.

For example- “What’s for lunch?” asked Sally.

How should direct speech be punctuated?

Here are some top tips to make sure you are punctuating direct speech correctly:

• The spoken words should be placed inside the inverted commas.

• There should be either a comma, full stop, question mark or exclamation mark before the closing inverted comma.

• If the speech comes after the reporting clause, a comma should be used to separate it. Look at this example: Charlie
cried, “Watch out!”

• Capital letters should be used for proper nouns and at the start of new sentences.

• A new speaker should always start on a new line.

Notebook task.

Q1. Look at the sentences below. Each one is missing inverted commas. Insert inverted commas around the direct
speech in each sentence below.

1. What’s for dinner? Jacinda asked her dad.


_______________________________________________________________________________________________

2. The mouse looked at the fox and quivered, Please don’t eat me.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Goal! shouted the boy as the ball went to the back of the net.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

4. John, can you hold this? asked Joanne.


_______________________________________________________________________________________________

5. The policeman asked, Can I see your licence please?


Q2. Use ‘said’ synonyms from the box given below and rewrite the following sentences.

Exclaimed asked shouted screamed yelled

1. “What a terrible day!” said Michael.


_______________________________________________________________________________________________

2. “I wonder what’s on at the cinema?” Lucy said.


_______________________________________________________________________________________________

3. “GET OUT!” said a ghostly voice.


_______________________________________________________________________________________________

4. “A tiger!” said the little girl in shock whilst at the zoo.


_______________________________________________________________________________________________

5. After being woken up, Jordan stretched and said, “I’m... I’m... still tired!”
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Q3. Write five of your own speech sentences using the ‘said is dead’ sheet.

You might also like