What are speech marks? Examples and how to use them

In this guide, learn what speech marks are and take a look at some examples!

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Author Eliana Sk

introducing speech marks

Published April 14, 2022

introducing speech marks

Author Jane Doe

introducing speech marks

Learn what speech marks are and take a look at some examples!

Author Eliana Doe

  • Key takeaways
  • Speech marks are special punctuation marks that show the exact words someone has spoken
  • Speech marks look like this: “ ”
  • Knowing the difference between direct speech and indirect speech can help us know how to use speech marks

Table of contents

What are speech marks?

Where are speech marks used, how to use speech marks.

From novels to news reports, speech marks are used in all sorts of places! In this guide, we take a look at what they are, where they’re used and some handy rules to keep in mind when using them.

Speech marks are special punctuation marks that show the exact words someone has spoken.

They’re also known as quotation marks and inverted commas, and they always appear in pairs at the beginning and end of what was said.

This is what they look like:  “ ”

And here’s an example of some speech marks in action:

“The words that appear between speech marks are the exact words that someone has said,” said the teacher.

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You can find speech marks everywhere. They’re common in stories, news articles, poetry and essays. By showing when someone is speaking, speech marks can help make a text more lively and easier to read.

In a story, speech marks may show which of the characters is speaking. For example, in a children’s book you may read:

“We always eat in the garden,” said Markus.

In a news article, speech marks can be used to show a statement made by an expert. For example:

Economists say that “the increase in production will help the job market to grow”.

Explore speech marks with DoodleEnglish

DoodleEnglish is an award-winning app that’s filled with thousands of questions and games exploring spelling, grammar and punctuation!

Designed by teachers, it creates each child a unique work programme tailored to their needs, boosting their skills with just 10 minutes of use a day. Try it free!

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When do children learn about speech marks?

Children usually start learning about speech marks around the age of 7.

Before they learn about speech marks, they’ll first be taught about other forms of punctuation, including full stops, commas, exclamation marks and question marks.

Being able to tell the difference between direct and indirect speech will help children to effectively use speech marks.

  • Direct speech:  shows the exact words that were spoken by a person or character. Speech marks are used at the beginning and end of direct speech to represent what someone has said.
  • Indirect speech:  shows what someone said without using their exact words. Speech marks aren’t used in these cases.
  • A  reporting clause  will let a reader know who said the direct speech and how they said it.

You should always separate direct speech from the reporting clause by a comma.

This may sound a little complicated, but if we look at an example it will all be clearer.

Anne said, “It’s snowing!”

In this example, ‘Anne said’ is the reporting clause, as it lets us know that it was Anne who spoke. This clause is separated by a comma from Anne’s direct speech, which is represented by the text between the speech marks (“It’s snowing!”).

If you’re writing a conversation between multiple people, reporting clauses can also help to clarify who’s speaking, and when.

Speech mark examples

Let’s take a look at some examples of speech marks in actions. These will help us better understand the different uses of speech marks.

The teacher said that Anthony’s story was “exceptionally written” and that’s why she read it to the whole class.

In this example, a fragmented part of the teacher’s statement is quoted. This is why the statement isn’t capitalised and has no punctuation before or within the quotation marks.

Markus laughed, “Did you see how high I jumped?”

“I know! It was amazing!” Adriana agreed.

In this example, two different people are speaking. The reporting clauses (‘Marcus laughed’ and ‘Adriana agreed’) shows us who is speaking. Each speaker is also placed on a new line to help the reader see that a new person has started speaking.

“It’s amazing,” William exclaimed, “there are bubbles everywhere!”

In this example, the statement made by William is separated by the reporting clause. This is a fun way of adding some character to your writing when using speech marks.

“Polar bears are my favourite real animals,” Mario said. He then told us about the mythical animals he likes more than polar bears.

This is an interesting example because only part of what Mario said is directly written down. The rest is summarised in indirect speech, and this is why there are no speech marks in the second sentence.

How to use speech marks when writing

If you’d like to quote a phrase or statement, using speech marks will show the reader that these aren’t your original words.

Speech marks are also a great way to give emphasis to certain phrases.

If you’re writing stories, they’ll also help to separate when the different characters are talking. Keep in mind that speech is a faster way of moving a story forward, so be careful about how much you use them!

General rules for using speech marks

There are a few helpful rules to keep in mind when using speech marks:

  • Sentences made by different characters or people will need to be in separate lines
  • If you’re using a person’s full statement, the punctuation of the sentence will need to be within the quotation marks. This includes full stops, exclamation marks, and question marks.
  • If a reporting clause is before the speech marks, you’ll need a comma to separate the two. This comma will be before the speech marks.
  • If a reporting clause comes in the middle of two quoted sentence parts, you’ll need a comma at the end of the speech marks in the first part and at the beginning of the speech marks in the second part of the sentence

Final thoughts

Using speech marks is relatively easy once you realise they’re only used to express what someone said. When writing an essay or story, speech marks can also help to make your writing more interesting and lively!

To learn even more about speech marks, why not download the  DoodleEnglish app ?

It’s filled with interactive exercises exploring the topic, making it the perfect way to put your learning into practice.

Best of all, it’s designed to be used for just 10 minutes a day — and you can try it for absolutely free!

FAQs about speech marks

Speech marks are punctuation marks that show the words someone has spoken. They’re also known as quotation marks and inverted commas.

If we look at an example: Peter said, “It’s raining!”

‘Peter said’ is a reporting clause, as it lets us know that it was Peter who spoke.

This clause is separated by a comma from Peter’s direct speech, which is represented by the text between the speech marks (“It’s raining!”).

You should use speech marks each time someone speaks.

Speech marks are also called ‘inverted commas’.

You should use inverted commas whenever someone speaks in your writing.

Single speech marks (‘ ‘) can be used to replace double quotation marks (” “) when they’re inside of double quotation marks.

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Punctuation in direct speech

We use inverted commas (also called quotation marks, quotes or speech marks) to indicate direct speech. Double quotes (") are preferred in American English, while single quotes (') are more common in British English:

" I'm coming home late tonight, " she said. (American English) ' I'm coming home late tonight, ' she said. (British English)

If we quote within direct speech, we use the other style for the embedded quotation:

"She said, ' I'm coming home late tonight ', " recalled Jim. (American English) 'She said, " I'm coming home late tonight ", ' recalled Jim. (British English)

As can be seen in the examples above, a comma ( , ) is used at the end of the quotation, before the closing speech mark.

A comma is also used before the quotation if we start the sentence with the reporting clause. In this case the terminal full stop (.) comes before the closing speech mark:

She added , "Don't expect me before 11 . "

If the quotation is a question or exclamation, the terminal marks ( ? and ! ) also come before the closing speech marks:

"Hurry up ! " he shouted. She asked, "Am I late ? "

The quotation normally begins with a capital letter, except if it is interrupted by a reporting clause, in which case the first letter of the continuation is not capitalised:

" I 'm coming home late tonight," she said and added, " d on't expect me before 11."

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What are speech marks?

What are speech marks?

Inverted commas (also known as speech marks and quotation marks ) are punctuation marks that show us where direct speech starts and ends.

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Speech marks are not used if we are writing indirect (reported) speech.

introducing speech marks

How are speech marks used?

Speech marks or inverted commas are used to show what the words actually spoken by a person or character are. Direct speech is separated from a reporting clause by a comma . For example:

introducing speech marks

As demonstrated in the example, the words spoken directly ( Although I wish they wouldn't my children fight all the time ) are marked by speech marks. The words spoken have also been separated by a reporting clause ( she sighed ).

introducing speech marks

When two or more people are having a conversation, a new line for each speaker is used , as this clarifies who is speaking. For example:

introducing speech marks

How are speech marks taught in the primary classroom?

When speech marks are first introduced in Year 3 , there is a lot of use of drama and reading class texts aloud. Children will identify direct speech within texts they are reading as a class. 

In Year 4 there is more focus on multiple speakers.

In Years 5 and 6, children will be taught and expected to use the correct punctuation for speech, with multiple speakers and reporting clauses breaking up the direct speech.

When are speech marks taught in the primary-school classroom?

Inverted commas are first taught in Lower Key Stage 2, in Year 3. As punctuating direct speech is a fundamental primary-school writing objective , the use of speech marks will be reinforced in every subsequent year group.

In Year 3, teachers will focus more on simply punctuating the spoken words with inverted commas to indicate the specific words that have been spoken. In Year 4, this progresses onto using commas to separate the reported clause from the direct speech, and then using other forms of punctuation other than full stops within the inverted commas. For example:

introducing speech marks

In Years 3 and 4, children learn that the reporting clause can be positioned before or after the direct speech in the sentence.

introducing speech marks

During the SATs Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation test taken at the end of Year 6, children are also likely to be asked a question about inverted commas and/or the correct punctuation needed to show speech. For example:

introducing speech marks

By the end of Year 6, when a child’s writing is assessed, they will be expected to use speech to move the action in their stories forward and to punctuate correctly. 

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Speech marks

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Grammar: How To Use Speech Marks Correctly

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Written by Dan

Last updated September 20, 2023

Understanding how to use speech marks correctly in reading and writing is an essential grammar skill that can help your students effectively communicate their ideas.

However, mastering the correct usage of these punctuation symbols can be a challenge for some children.

By clearly demonstrating the purpose of speech marks and providing plenty of practice opportunities, you can give your students the confidence to utilize them accurately in all sorts of contexts.

In this blog post, we will discuss what speech marks are, when they should be used, and how to teach effective grammar lessons focusing on their use.

So, if you’re looking for fresh ways to engage students with learning about grammar via speech mark practices then keep reading!

Grammar: How To Use Speech Marks Correctly

Table of Contents

Understanding Speech Marks

What are speech marks.

Speech marks, also known as quotation marks or inverted commas, are punctuation marks used in pairs to indicate direct speech, a quotation, or a phrase.

They play a key role in guiding the reader through the text by indicating who is speaking or highlighting essential phrases.

Have you ever wondered how you know when a character in a book is speaking? That’s right! It’s because of the speech marks.

The Role and Importance of Speech Marks in Writing and Reading

Speech marks serve a critical function in both writing and reading. In writing, they help to distinguish dialogue from narrative, highlight specific phrases or words for emphasis, and indicate direct quotations from sources.

In reading, they provide visual cues that aid comprehension and interpretation.

Imagine reading a novel without speech marks. It would be challenging to differentiate between the characters’ spoken words and the author’s narrative, wouldn’t it?

Speech marks create clarity and structure, making our reading experience more enjoyable and efficient.

Common Misconceptions About Speech Marks

One common misconception is that speech marks are only used to denote dialogue. While this is one of their primary functions, it is not their sole purpose.

They can also be used to indicate irony, introduce unfamiliar terms or phrases, or signify titles of short works.

Another misconception is that single and double speech marks can be used interchangeably. However, their usage varies based on regional style guidelines.

For instance, American English typically uses double speech marks (” “), while British English often prefers single speech marks (‘ ‘).

When to Use Speech Marks

Scenarios for using speech marks.

Speech marks are not just decorative flourishes in our writing; they have specific functions and should be used appropriately. So, when exactly should we use them?

  • Direct Speech : This is the most common scenario for using speech marks. Whenever a character or person is speaking directly, their words should be enclosed within speech marks. For instance: “I’m excited about the upcoming vacation,” she said.
  • Quotations : When quoting a phrase or sentence directly from a source, we use speech marks to indicate that these are not our own words. For example: As Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
  • Titles of Short Works : Speech marks are used to denote the titles of short works like poems , short stories, song titles, and articles. Example: I just read “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost.
  • Words Used Unusually or Sarcasm : When a word is used in an unconventional way or to indicate sarcasm or irony, it is often placed within speech marks. Example: He was so “excited” to clean his room.

Examples Demonstrating Correct Use of Speech Marks

Let’s put this into practice with some examples:

  • Direct Speech: John said, “I will pick you up at 8 pm.”
  • Quotation: The motivational speaker started his speech with, “As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.'”
  • Title: Have you read the “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”?
  • Sarcasm: Yeah, I really “love” getting stuck in traffic.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, errors can creep into our use of speech marks. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

  • Incorrect Placement of Punctuation : In American English, periods and commas go inside the speech marks, regardless of logic. For instance: “I’m going to the park,” she said. Not “I’m going to the park”, she said.
  • Single and Double Speech Marks : Remember, the use of single (‘ ‘) and double (” “) speech marks depends on regional style guidelines. Stick to one style consistently throughout your writing.
  • Unnecessary Use of Speech Marks : Speech marks should not be used for emphasis. Instead, use italics or bold. Incorrect: The “best” ice cream in town. Correct: The best ice cream in town.

How to Teach Speech Marks Effectively

The importance of clear demonstrations and practice opportunities.

Teaching speech marks is not just about explaining the rules; it’s about illustrating these rules with clear examples and providing ample practice opportunities.

Why, you ask? Because learning is a process of doing. It’s one thing to understand the theory behind speech marks, but applying that knowledge consistently in writing is what truly ingrains the concept.

To demonstrate the use of speech marks, start by showing students examples from their favorite books or articles. Discuss how the speech marks guide them through who’s speaking or what’s being emphasized.

Then, let them practice by writing dialogues or quoting phrases, and encourage peer reviews for constructive feedback.

Strategies and Tips for Teaching Speech Marks Correctly

  • Use Visual Aids : Visual aids like posters or flashcards with speech mark rules can be potent tools. Display them prominently in the classroom or share them online for easy reference.
  • Encourage Reading : The more students read, the more they’ll see speech marks in action. This exposure will help them understand and remember when and how to use them.
  • Create Sentence Starters : Provide sentence starters that require speech marks, such as “She said, ‘…'” or “‘…,’ he thought.” This will give students a framework to begin practicing.
  • Give Regular Feedback : Regular and specific feedback is crucial in helping students improve . Praise correct usage and gently correct mistakes, explaining clearly why changes are necessary.

Innovative Methods to Engage Students in Learning About Speech Marks

Learning doesn’t have to be boring, and teaching speech marks is no exception. Here are some innovative methods to make learning about speech marks fun and engaging:

  • Speech Marks Games: Create games where students have to spot errors in the use of speech marks or add them correctly in sentences.
  • Worksheets : Worksheets with fill-in-the-blank exercises or sentence correction tasks can provide valuable practice. You can find many such resources online or create your own tailored to your students’ needs.
  • Online Resources : Websites like Khan Academy or Grammarly offer interactive lessons and quizzes on speech marks. These platforms turn learning into a fun, game-like experience.

Teaching speech marks effectively requires a balance of clear instruction, ample practice opportunities, and engaging activities.

With these strategies, you’re well on your way to making your students’ journey in mastering speech marks an exciting and rewarding one!

Educators, the baton is now in your hands! You have been equipped with a treasure chest of strategies, tips, and resources to teach speech marks effectively.

Remember, as you navigate this journey, your role is to impart knowledge and inspire curiosity and a love for language in your students.

Take these strategies and mould them to fit your unique classroom environment . Adapt them to cater to your students’ diverse learning styles.

Your dedication to teaching these fundamental aspects of grammar will lay the groundwork for their success in reading and writing.

As we wrap up this discussion on speech marks, let’s not view it as an end but as a stepping stone to broader horizons.

The world of grammar teaching practices is vast and ever-evolving, filled with innovative methods and exciting discoveries.

So, continue exploring, continue learning. Dive into professional development courses, join online teaching communities, or exchange ideas with your fellow educators.

Every step you take in this direction enriches your teaching repertoire and empowers your students in their learning journey.

Remember, every great writer was once a learner; perhaps an educator like you sparked that flame.

So, go ahead, ignite the spark. Who knows? You might just be nurturing the next Shakespeare or J.K. Rowling in your classroom!

Keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, keep inspiring. The world needs more educators like you.

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About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

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Comma or Colon before a Quotation?

Should i put a comma or a colon before a quotation.

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Comma or a Colon before a Quotation?

comm, colon, or nothing before a quotation

(Rule 1) Use a colon if the introduction is an independent clause.

(rule 2) you can use a colon if the quotation is an independent clause., (rule 3) use a comma if the introduction is not an independent clause., (rule 4) you can only use a comma (i.e., not a colon) after a quotation., more about the punctuation before quotation, using nothing before a quotation.

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Use "The Following" to Force a Colon

Not a hard and fast rule, beware reported speech.

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  • Speech Marks Inverted Commas Ks2 Worksheets Resources

Speech marks / inverted commas KS2 – 7 of the best SPaG worksheets and resources

Speech marks

Get primary pupils properly punctuating direct speech with these worksheets, activities and ideas for teaching inverted commas (or ‘speech marks’)…

Teachwire

What are inverted commas?

Inverted commas, also known as speech marks or quotation marks (sometimes ‘quote marks’), are punctuation marks used in writing to indicate speech or a quotation.

They can also be used to indicate a phrase or quote, but typically in British English we use single quotation marks for this, whereas American English uses double.

But we all still use the double bunny ears when doing air quotes…

Inverted commas National Curriculum programme of study links

Year 3 : Introduction to inverted commas to punctuate direct speech

Year 4 : Use of inverted commas and other punctuation to indicate direct speech [for example, a comma after the reporting clause; end punctuation within inverted commas: The conductor shouted, “Sit down!”]

1 | How to use inverted commas video guide

For a nice little introduction or recap to inverted commas, watch this video of Mr Thorne take you through their uses.

It’s clearly explained with large captions across the bottom so that children can see his examples written out with the correct punctuation.

2 | Year 4 punctuating direct speech resource pack

introducing speech marks

This powerful KS2 grammar resources pack provides everything you need to teach how to punctuate direct speech. The pack is split into five parts and is differentiated for three levels of ability.

Get this resource pack here.

3 | Direct speech challenge worksheets

introducing speech marks

This bright, appealing grammar worksheet is an excellent way to practise and revise using direct speech in Year 4.

It is divided into five sections: understand, challenge, test, explain and apply.

Activities include SATs style questions and opportunities for creative writing responses, with eye-catching images as prompts.

Find this one here.

4 | Quotation marks worksheet

introducing speech marks

This two-page worksheet has six tasks and an extension all revolving around punctuating speech.

So it starts with putting speech marks into sentences, then putting speech marks and all other punctuation, before building up to punctuating longer passages.

Print it here.

5 | Speech marks washing line

introducing speech marks

This handy idea was created by Clarice Morley, an English teacher in a Pupil Referral Unit, who found her boys were struggling with the use of speech marks.

They invented three characters – male, female and a rabbit – and produced some labels such as “Rory exclaimed” and “Brenda whispered”. Clarice then stretched a washing line across the board, and had two pegs with the speech marks on.

The boys would write something someone would say onto a piece of paper, then they matched one of the labels with one of their speeches, and hung the speech on the washing line.

They soon grasped it is only the reported speech that hangs on the line, and the pegs (speech marks) keep it in place.

Print out the worksheet for this resource here.

6 | Speech mark rules

introducing speech marks

There are many “rules” of speech marks, but no definitive list, and you don’t want to overwhelm children with too many while they’re just learning.

So this Rising Stars list of five rules is a nice size for children to read and take in.

Check it out here.

7 | Inverted commas worksheet set

introducing speech marks

This resource set has three parts. One is ‘Witch and Tiger Conversation’, which shows ten pictures with blank speech bubbles. Children choose names for the witch and the tiger, then create the contents of the conversation.

Next they re-write this conversation in the form of a story by adding phrases such as ‘said Tom’ and ‘asked Joe’ as well as speech marks and other punctuation.

The second and third parts are ‘Missing Speech Marks’ worksheets, where children need to add speech marks to sentences.

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A fun idea to teach speech marks

This activity is designed to teach punctuation speech marks and emotion or tone of voice..

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On a recent trip to IKEA to source resources for Positive Eye, I spotted this fun speech bubble which is sold as a notice board. I thought it would make a fun backdrop for teaching speechmarks and secondly it may make a fun resource for working on the emotion conveyed through voice tone. Also speech bubbles are a visual feature of many books, they are an abstract concept.  This bright green speech bubble brings it into the concrete understanding! You could also make a large speech bubble out of thick card.

Here are my ideas for its use.

Speechmark activities

I first stuck some strips of Velcro to the speech bubble to make a base for the activities. 

Suggestion 1:

speech bubble

On the speech bubbles write sentences, e.g. “I love chocolate,” “I really like  watching the ‘Modern Family’ because it is so funny.”  Sentences can be written in braille and print, depending on the needs to the student.

“I hate doing the washing up,” “I don’t want to do my homework.” Place them on the speech bubble base one at a time.

Next: On strips of paper print some different voice tones, e.g. “Say in grumpy voice”, “Say in excited voice”. “Say in enthusiastic voice”.

Child picks a voice tone card and reads the sentence from the speech bubble in that voice! Discussion could follow as to the voice tone that might actually be used to say each sentence, and the likely  facial expression and body language of the person whilst speaking. 

Suggestion 2

speech bubble3

There are more ideas for resources at https://www.positiveeye.co.uk/

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Speech Marks

Speech Marks

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

BarryP's Shop

Last updated

4 January 2014

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  1. Text to speech (marks)

  2. Speech Marks #english #learnenglish #punctuation #symbols #shorts

  3. Fundamentals English Grammar (Module 1

  4. INTRODUCING SPEECH:- DANCE

  5. Introducing Speech The International Seminar

  6. Introducing speech to text

COMMENTS

  1. Punctuation: Introduction to speech marks (KS2)

    A clear and concise explanation of how to correctly use speech marks, breaking down the need for capital letters and punctuation marks. What will I learn? ...

  2. Using Speech Marks

    UPDATE: As I originally made this video just for my students as part of an exercise, some of the commas are not in the correct places. As others seem to hav...

  3. What Are Speech Marks?

    Speech Marks (also known as inverted commas) are a type of speech punctuation used to show when someone is speaking in a piece of writing (direct speech). They help to differentiate between text that has been/is being spoken and text that is not. Download FREE teacher-made resources covering 'Speech Marks'. View FREE Resources.

  4. What are speech marks? Examples and how to use them

    By showing when someone is speaking, speech marks can help make a text more lively and easier to read. In a story, speech marks may show which of the characters is speaking. For example, in a children's book you may read: "We always eat in the garden," said Markus. In a news article, speech marks can be used to show a statement made by an ...

  5. Punctuation in direct speech

    Punctuation in direct speech. We use inverted commas (also called quotation marks, quotes or speech marks) to indicate direct speech. Double quotes (") are preferred in American English, while single quotes (') are more common in British English: "I'm coming home late tonight," she said. (American English) 'I'm coming home late tonight,' she said.

  6. What Are Speech Marks?

    This is a brilliant way to introduce or even revise this topic. Speech Marks Worksheet Pack. This handy pack includes a wide range of worksheets to keep your class occupied and learning about speech marks. They can pretend to be the teacher and put the speech marks in the right places, or even change speech from a comic strip into direct speech ...

  7. What are speech marks?

    When speech marks are first introduced in Year 3, there is a lot of use of drama and reading class texts aloud.Children will identify direct speech within texts they are reading as a class. In Year 4 there is more focus on multiple speakers. In Years 5 and 6, children will be taught and expected to use the correct punctuation for speech, with multiple speakers and reporting clauses breaking up ...

  8. Grammar: How To Use Speech Marks Correctly

    This exposure will help them understand and remember when and how to use them. Create Sentence Starters: Provide sentence starters that require speech marks, such as "She said, '…'" or "'…,' he thought.". This will give students a framework to begin practicing. Give Regular Feedback: Regular and specific feedback is crucial in ...

  9. Comma or Colon before a Quotation?

    The strongest rule is the following one: Use a colon after an introduction that is an independent clause. Beware Reported Speech Quotation marks are not used for reported speech. (Reported speech is usually preceded by the word "that.") Only use quotation marks for actual quotations of speech or writing. Look at these similar examples:

  10. How to use inverted commas

    A new speaker needs a new line. You should use a capital letter at the start of each piece of speech. Punctuation (question marks, full stops and exclamation marks) go inside the inverted commas ...

  11. The Rules of Speech Marks PowerPoint

    Perfect for introducing a class to both speech and quotation marks for the first time, or for revising how and where to use them. For some fun home learning challenges, try our Inverted Commas Activity Pack. More teaching resources on speech marks . If you are looking for even more teaching resources on speech marks, we have a fantastic range ...

  12. Speech Marks

    Inverted Commas - 26-Page Workbook. This resource contains a 22 page workbook on inverted commas (speech marks/quotation marks/direct speech). It is appropriate for pupils in Years 3, 4 and 5 and older, SEN pupils who have yet to master the basics in punctuation. The workbook contains four information/revision sheets, 17 worksheets and an ...

  13. How to structure and punctuate direct speech in fiction

    A punctuation mark is then used after the reporting clause, before the next set of speech marks. If you've put the reporting clause in the middle of a sentence of speech then this should be a ...

  14. What Are Speech Marks?

    Speech Marks (also known as inverted commas) are a type of speech punctuation used to show when someone is speaking in a piece of writing (direct speech). They help to differentiate between text that has been/is being spoken and text that is not. Download FREE teacher-made resources covering 'Speech Marks'. View FREE Resources.

  15. Speech marks / inverted commas KS2

    Inverted commas, also known as speech marks or quotation marks (sometimes 'quote marks'), are punctuation marks used in writing to indicate speech or a quotation. ... Year 3: Introduction to inverted commas to punctuate direct speech. Year 4: Use of inverted commas and other punctuation to indicate direct speech [for example, a comma after ...

  16. The Rules of Speech Marks PowerPoint

    Perfect for introducing a class to both speech and quotation marks for the first time, or for revising how and where to use them. For some fun home learning challenges, try our Inverted Commas Activity Pack. More teaching resources on speech marks . If you are looking for even more teaching resources on speech marks, we have a fantastic range ...

  17. A fun idea to teach speech marks

    Suggestion 1: Cut out some speech bubbles in card and add velcro to the back. Add to the speech bubble base. On the speech bubbles write sentences, e.g. "I love chocolate," "I really like watching the 'Modern Family' because it is so funny.". Sentences can be written in braille and print, depending on the needs to the student.

  18. What Are Speech Marks?

    Speech Marks (also known as inverted commas) are a type of speech punctuation used to show when someone is speaking in a piece of writing (direct speech). They help to differentiate between text that has been/is being spoken and text that is not. Download FREE teacher-made resources covering 'Speech Marks'. View FREE Resources.

  19. Speech Marks

    Speech Marks. Subject: English. Age range: 7-11. Resource type: Worksheet/Activity. File previews. ppt, 292 KB. Here's a Powerpoint that introduces speech marks using speech bubbles as a starting point. It has animated slides and is interactive. The children can click on a bubble, a pop-up asks for the speech, and it adds to bubble and shows a ...

  20. The Rules of Speech Marks PowerPoint

    Perfect for introducing a class to both speech and quotation marks for the first time, or for revising how and where to use them. For some fun home learning challenges, try our Inverted Commas Activity Pack. More teaching resources on speech marks . If you are looking for even more teaching resources on speech marks, we have a fantastic range ...