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Year 6 · Chapter 6

Speech punctuation

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Put direct speech in inverted commas, with a capital letter for the first word spoken
  • Put the right mark (comma, question mark or exclamation mark) inside the closing speech marks
  • Use a comma after a reporting clause that comes before the speech
  • Use an ellipsis correctly to show a pause or a trailing-off voice
  • Punctuate a book title in italics and a short story or poem title in inverted commas

You should already know

  • Full stops, question marks and exclamation marks (Year 4 grammar)
  • Commas, and sentence punctuation (Chapters 4 and 5 of this book)

Where this leads

  • Commas in direct speech and the reporting clause, in full (Year 6 English, chapter 9)

KS2 SATs practice for grammar, punctuation and spelling (Year 6). Original questions in the style of the national tests. Content: Use inverted commas for direct speech, and use one style consistently (Year 5-6 grammar), Put the punctuation of the speech inside the closing inverted commas, and use a comma after a reporting clause (Year 5-6 grammar), Start a new line for each new speaker, and choose speech verbs that show how something is said (Year 5-6 grammar), Use an ellipsis (...) to show a pause, a trailing off, or words left out (Year 5-6 grammar), Punctuate the title of a book, a short story or a poem that appears in speech (Year 5-6 grammar).

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWrite the sentence with capital letters and punctuation: where are you going
2
FWhich word is a verb in: The dog barked at the postman. Choose one: dog, barked or postman.
3
FWrite the verb that reports the speaking in: Ali shouted that the bus had gone. Write one word.
4
FWhich word is a noun in: Mum made a cake. Choose one: made, cake or a.
5
FWrite the sentence with a comma after the word Yes: Yes I will come
6.1

Inverted commas for direct speech

Year 6
Use inverted commas for direct speech, and use one style consistently (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Inverted commas for direct speechComing soon
Practice material. This is practice in the style of the Year 6 grammar, punctuation and spelling test. It is not the official test, and no official test item is used. Marks and timings are a practice guide only.
Story. Ruby calls from the stairs: "Come and see this!" Her brother replies, "I am coming now." Their mum adds, "Shoes on, please." Every word spoken by a person is written inside inverted commas.

Rule

Direct speech is the exact words that someone says. It goes inside inverted commas (speech marks). The first word spoken starts with a capital letter.

This book uses double inverted commas: "Come here," said Mum. Single inverted commas are also correct if they are used everywhere in the same way.

For the full explanation, read Year 6 English, chapter 9.

Key ideas

  • Direct speech is the exact words spoken, in inverted commas.
  • The first word spoken starts with a capital letter.
  • Use one style of inverted commas for the whole text.
Worked example 6.1.1
Add the speech marks: Come here said Mum. Write the corrected sentence.

Method. Put the spoken words inside inverted commas, and add a comma before the closing mark.

  1. Find the spoken words. Come here is what Mum says.
    Come here
  2. Add the opening marks. The spoken words start with inverted commas.
    "Come here
  3. Close the speech. A comma goes inside the closing marks before said.
    "Come here," said Mum.
  4. Write the answer.
    "Come here," said Mum.

Check. the speech is inside the marks. ✓

Worked example 6.1.2
Which version is punctuated correctly? Write it: "Let's go," said Sam. or "Let's go" said Sam.

Method. A comma goes inside the closing marks when a reporting clause follows.

  1. Check the first version. The comma is inside the closing marks.
    "Let's go,"
  2. Check the second version. There is no comma before said.
    "Let's go" said
  3. Choose the correct one. The first version has the comma in the right place.
    "Let's go," said Sam.
  4. Write the answer.
    "Let's go," said Sam.

Check. the comma is inside the closing marks. ✓

Worked example 6.1.3
Write the words that Dad says: Dad said, "The tent is up."

Method. The words inside the inverted commas are the direct speech.

  1. Find the speech marks. The speech is inside the inverted commas.
    "The tent is up."
  2. Copy the words inside. These are the exact words Dad says.
    The tent is up.
  3. Check the reporting clause. Dad said is outside the marks, so it is not speech.
    Dad said
  4. Write the answer.
    The tent is up.

Check. the words are inside the marks. ✓

Exercise 6A  Practice: inverted commas for direct speech

1
FAdd the speech marks: Let us go now said Ruby. Write the corrected sentence.
2
FWhich sentence uses speech marks correctly? Choose one: "Hello," said Ali., "Hello." said Ali. or Hello, said Ali..
3
FWrite the words that are spoken: Lena asked, "Where is the bus?" Write the words inside the marks.
4
FAdd the speech marks and punctuation: Where is my coat asked Dad. Write the corrected sentence.
5
FWhich sentence begins the speech with a capital letter? Choose one: She said, "we are late.", She said, "We are late." or She said, "we are late".
6
FAdd the speech marks and punctuation: I can see the sea said Mo. Write the corrected sentence.
7
FWrite one line of direct speech with a reporting clause after it.
8
FIs this correct? "Stop," shouted Ben. Choose one: True or False.
9
FIs this direct speech? Anna said that the bus was late. Choose one: True or False.
10
PSAdd the speech marks: Be quiet, said the teacher. Write the corrected sentence.
11
PSTurn this into direct speech: Tom asked his mum if he could stay out late. Write the speech with its speech marks.
12
RWhy does the first word of direct speech start with a capital letter, even in the middle of a sentence?
6.2

Punctuation inside the speech marks

Year 6
Put the punctuation of the speech inside the closing inverted commas, and use a comma after a reporting clause (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Punctuation inside the speech marksComing soon
Story. Mo is telling the story of the lost bike. "Where are you going?" asked Ruby. "Stop!" yelled Dad. "I am ready," said Ali. Each mark is placed inside the closing speech marks.

Rule

The end mark of the speech goes inside the closing speech marks: "Where are you going?" asked Ruby.

When a reporting clause follows the speech, use a comma inside the marks: "I am ready," said Ali.

When the speech ends the sentence, the full stop goes inside the marks: Ali said, "I am ready."

Key ideas

  • A question mark or exclamation mark inside the marks replaces the comma.
  • When the speech is followed by said, use a comma inside the marks.
  • When the speech ends the sentence, the full stop is inside the marks.
Worked example 6.2.1
Add the punctuation: "Where are you going" asked Ruby. Write the corrected sentence.

Method. A question inside the marks ends with a question mark.

  1. Find the speech. Where are you going is a question.
    Where are you going
  2. Choose the mark. A question mark goes inside the closing marks.
    ?
  3. Write the sentence. The reporting clause follows, with its full stop outside.
    "Where are you going?" asked Ruby.
  4. Write the answer.
    "Where are you going?" asked Ruby.

Check. the question mark is inside the marks. ✓

Worked example 6.2.2
Write the sentence with the full stop inside the speech marks: Ali said I am ready

Method. A reporting clause before the speech takes a comma, and the speech ends with a full stop inside the marks.

  1. Find the reporting clause. Ali said comes before the speech.
    Ali said,
  2. Add the speech marks. The spoken words go in inverted commas.
    "I am ready
  3. Put the full stop inside. The full stop goes inside the closing marks.
    "I am ready."
  4. Write the answer.
    Ali said, "I am ready."

Check. the full stop is inside the marks. ✓

Worked example 6.2.3
Which exclamation is correct? Write the line: "Look out!" yelled Sam. or "Look out," yelled Sam!

Method. The exclamation mark goes inside the speech marks, and the sentence ends with a full stop.

  1. Check the first line. The exclamation mark is inside the marks.
    "Look out!"
  2. Check the second line. The comma is wrong, and the exclamation mark is outside.
    "Look out," ... Sam!
  3. Choose. The first line is correct.
    "Look out!" yelled Sam.
  4. Write the answer.
    "Look out!" yelled Sam.

Check. the exclamation mark is inside the marks. ✓

Exercise 6B  Practice: punctuation inside the speech marks

1
FAdd the punctuation: "Are you ready" asked Mum. Write the corrected sentence.
2
FAdd the punctuation: Dad shouted Run. Write the corrected sentence.
3
FWhich sentence is punctuated correctly? Choose one: "Wait," said Ben., "Wait." said Ben. or "Wait said Ben.".
4
FAdd the punctuation: Ava asked "Will you come with me. Write the corrected sentence.
5
FIs the ending mark right? "Come in". said Gran. Choose one: True or False.
6
PSAdd the punctuation: "I found it" Ben cried. Write the corrected sentence.
7
FAdd the punctuation: "Please sit down" the teacher said. Write the corrected sentence.
8
FWrite the corrected sentence: Ruby asked, "Who has my pencil
9
PSWrite a sentence with a question inside speech marks, followed by a reporting clause.
10
RExplain in one sentence where the full stop goes when speech ends a sentence.
11
FIs this correct? "Hurry up!" said Dad. Choose one: True or False.
12
FCorrect the punctuation: "We are late." said Tom. Write the corrected sentence.
13
PSAdd the punctuation: Sam whispered Is anyone there. Write the corrected sentence.
6.3

Reporting clauses and new lines for each speaker

Year 6
Start a new line for each new speaker, and choose speech verbs that show how something is said (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Reporting clauses and new lines for each speakerComing soon
Story. Anna and Ben are planning a race. "Are you ready?" asked Ben. "Yes, I am," replied Anna. "Go!" shouted Ben. The reporting clauses tell the reader who is speaking, and how.

Rule

A reporting clause says who speaks, and often how: said, asked, replied, whispered, shouted.

If the reporting clause comes before the speech, put a comma after it, before the opening marks: Ben asked, "Are you ready?"

Start a new line each time a different person speaks.

Key ideas

  • A reporting clause tells who speaks, and often how.
  • Before the speech, the reporting clause is followed by a comma.
  • Each new speaker starts on a new line.
Worked example 6.3.1
Add the punctuation: Ben asked Are you ready. Write the corrected sentence.

Method. A reporting clause before the speech is followed by a comma.

  1. Find the reporting clause. Ben asked comes before the speech.
    Ben asked
  2. Add the comma. A comma follows the reporting clause.
    Ben asked,
  3. Add the marks and the question mark. The question is inside the marks.
    Ben asked, "Are you ready?"
  4. Write the answer.
    Ben asked, "Are you ready?"

Check. the comma and the question mark are correct. ✓

Worked example 6.3.2
Write the reply on a new line, with the right punctuation: Anna replied Yes, I am.

Method. The speech goes in marks, and the reporting clause follows.

  1. Find the speech. Yes, I am is what Anna says.
    Yes, I am
  2. Add the marks. The speech goes inside inverted commas.
    "Yes, I am
  3. Add the reporting clause. A comma goes inside the closing marks, then replied Anna.
    "Yes, I am," replied Anna.
  4. Write the answer.
    "Yes, I am," replied Anna.

Check. the reply is on its own line. ✓

Worked example 6.3.3
Which speech verb suits a whisper? Write one word.

Method. Choose the verb that shows how the words are spoken.

  1. Think about the voice. A whisper is quiet and secret.
    quiet
  2. Choose the verb. Whispered shows a quiet voice.
    whispered
  3. Check the others. Shouted and demanded show loud voices.
    whispered
  4. Write the answer.
    whispered

Check. whispered shows a quiet voice. ✓

Exercise 6C  Practice: reporting clauses and new lines

1
FAdd the punctuation: Ella replied I will be there soon. Write the corrected sentence.
2
FWhich speech verb best shows a whisper? Choose one: said, whispered or asked.
3
FRewrite with the reporting clause first: "Hello," said Kai. Write the new sentence.
4
FIs the comma correct? Gran asked "Would you like some tea?" Choose one: True or False.
5
FCorrect the speech punctuation: Ben said, "Hello". Write the corrected sentence.
6
FWrite a sentence where the reporting clause comes after the speech, with a speech verb other than said.
7
FWrite the name of the second speaker: "Hi," said Sam. "Hi," replied Ali. Write one name.
8
RWhy does each new speaker need a new line?
9
PSAdd the comma after the reporting clause: Mum asked "Did you eat your lunch?" Write the corrected sentence.
10
PSWhich speech verb best shows that someone is shouting? Choose one: said, shouted or asked.
11
PSWrite the name of the speaker: "Shh," whispered Lena. Write one word.
12
PSTurn this into direct speech: Dad told me the dinner was ready. Write the speech.
6.4

The ellipsis

Year 6
Use an ellipsis (...) to show a pause, a trailing off, or words left out (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: The ellipsisComing soon
Story. Zara is nervous. "Well... I think we should wait," she says. Then she trails off: "I was going to say that the plan..." The three dots show the pause, and the words she did not finish.

Rule

An ellipsis is three full stops (...), with no space before the first. It shows a pause, a voice that trails off, or words that have been left out of a quotation.

Use an ellipsis in speech and in stories for effect, not in formal writing.

Key ideas

  • An ellipsis is three full stops, with no space before the first one.
  • An ellipsis can show a pause or a voice that trails off.
  • In a quotation, an ellipsis can show that words have been left out.
Worked example 6.4.1
Add an ellipsis to show a pause: "Well I suppose we could try," said Mo. Write the corrected speech.

Method. An ellipsis shows a pause in speech.

  1. Find the pause. Well is followed by a short pause.
    Well
  2. Add three full stops. The ellipsis has three dots, no space before them.
    Well...
  3. Check the speech. The speech continues after the pause.
    "Well... I suppose we could try,"
  4. Write the answer.
    "Well... I suppose we could try," said Mo.

Check. three dots show the pause. ✓

Worked example 6.4.2
Shorten this quotation with an ellipsis: "The bus stops at the station, the market and the harbour." Write the new quotation.

Method. Replace the missing words with an ellipsis.

  1. Find the words to leave out. The market and the words between are left out.
    the market
  2. Insert the ellipsis. The ellipsis replaces the words left out.
    station ... harbour
  3. Check the quotation. The start and end of the quotation remain.
    "The bus stops at the station ... the harbour."
  4. Write the answer.
    "The bus stops at the station ... the harbour."

Check. the ellipsis shows words left out. ✓

Worked example 6.4.3
How many full stops make an ellipsis? Write the number.

Method. An ellipsis is three full stops.

  1. Look at the rule. An ellipsis is three dots, not one or two.
    three dots
  2. Count the dots. Three dots are used.
    ...
  3. Check the space. There is no space before the first dot.
    3
  4. Write the answer.
    3

Check. three dots make an ellipsis. ✓

Exercise 6D  Practice: the ellipsis

1
FAdd an ellipsis to show a pause: "I do not know if I can," said Lily. Write the corrected speech.
2
FWhich ellipsis is written correctly? Choose one: ..., .. or . . ..
3
FShow the words left out with an ellipsis: "The team scored, the crowd cheered, and everyone went home." Write the shortened quotation.
4
FIs the ellipsis used correctly? "I was going to..." she trailed off. Choose one: True or False.
5
FCorrect the ellipsis: "Well.. maybe we could go." Write the corrected speech.
6
PSWrite a line of speech that trails off with an ellipsis.
7
RWhy might a writer use an ellipsis in a story, but not in a formal letter?
8
PSRewrite with an ellipsis to show a pause: "Wait a moment," he said. Write the corrected speech.
9
PSWhich sentence uses an ellipsis correctly in speech? Choose one: "I think... we should wait," said Ali., "I think.. we should wait," said Ali. or "I think ... we should wait," said Ali..
10
PSShorten this quotation with an ellipsis: "Lunch is at twelve, and tea is at four." Write the shortened quotation, with the word and left out.
11
PSWrite a line of speech that pauses with an ellipsis, then a reporting clause.
12
PSWhich mark shows the speaker has trailed off? Choose one: an ellipsis, a colon or a semi-colon.
6.5

Titles in speech

Year 6
Punctuate the title of a book, a short story or a poem that appears in speech (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Titles in speechComing soon
Story. Ruby is talking about her reading. "I have read The Silver Kite twice," she says. "My favourite poem is 'The Night Bird.'" A book title is in italics, and the title of a poem is in inverted commas.

Rule

In print, the title of a book is in italics: The Silver Kite. A short story or poem title is in inverted commas: "The Storm".

Inside double speech marks, a title takes single inverted commas, so the two sets of marks do not look the same: "Have you read 'The Night Bird'?"

Key ideas

  • A book title is in italics.
  • A short story or poem title is in inverted commas.
  • Inside double speech marks, a title takes single inverted commas.
Worked example 6.5.1
Which title is punctuated correctly for a short story? Write it: The Lost Spoon or "The Lost Spoon"

Method. A short story takes inverted commas, not italics.

  1. Find the type of work. The Lost Spoon is a short story.
    short story
  2. Choose the form. A short story title uses inverted commas.
    "The Lost Spoon"
  3. Check the book form. Italics are for book titles, not short stories.
    "The Lost Spoon"
  4. Write the answer.
    "The Lost Spoon"

Check. inverted commas for a short story. ✓

Worked example 6.5.2
Ruby said she had read the book The Silver Kite. Write the book title in its correct form.

Method. A book title is written in italics.

  1. Find the type of work. The Silver Kite is a book.
    book
  2. Choose the form. Book titles are in italics.
    italics
  3. Write the title. The title is written in italics.
    The Silver Kite, in italics
  4. Write the answer.
    The Silver Kite, in italics

Check. book titles are in italics. ✓

Worked example 6.5.3
Write the question with the book title in italics: Mum asked Ruby if she had read The Silver Kite. Write Mum's words as direct speech.

Method. A book title is in italics, inside the speech, and the question mark ends the speech.

  1. Find the speech. Mum asks a question.
    Have you read
  2. Add the title in italics. The Silver Kite is a book, so it is in italics.
    The Silver Kite
  3. Add the question mark. The question mark ends the speech.
    Have you read The Silver Kite?
  4. Write the answer.
    Have you read The Silver Kite?

Check. the title is in italics and the question mark ends the speech. ✓

Exercise 6E  Practice: titles in speech

1
FWrite the book title correctly in this sentence: Mia is reading the book The Silver Kite. Write only the title, in its correct form.
2
FWhich is correct for a short poem called The Lost Spoon? Choose one: "The Lost Spoon", The Lost Spoon or The Lost Spoon.
3
PSAdd the punctuation: Have you read The Silver Kite Mum asked. Write the corrected sentence, with the title in italics.
4
FWhich uses single marks inside double marks correctly? Choose one: "Did you read 'The Lost Spoon'?" asked Ali., "Did you read "The Lost Spoon"?" asked Ali. or 'Did you read 'The Lost Spoon'?' asked Ali..
5
FIs this correct? "Hurry up?" said Dad. Choose one: True or False.
6
FAdd the speech marks around the title of a short story: My favourite story is The Storm. Write the corrected sentence.
7
FIs it correct to put a book title in inverted commas? Choose one: True or False.
8
PSWrite a sentence that names the title of a short story, in inverted commas.
9
PSAdd the single marks for the poem title inside the speech: "Have you read The Lost Spoon?" asked Mo. Write the corrected sentence.
10
RExplain why single inverted commas are used for a poem title inside a speech in double marks.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Direct speechThe exact words, in inverted commas, with a capital letter for the first word spoken.
Inside the marksThe question mark, exclamation mark or comma goes inside the closing marks.
Reporting clauseBefore the speech: a comma after it. After the speech: a comma inside the marks.
New speakerA new line each time a different person speaks.
EllipsisThree full stops, with no space before them, for a pause or trailing off.
Titles in speechBook titles in italics; short story and poem titles in inverted commas; single marks inside double marks.

Can you…?

  • I can put direct speech in inverted commas, with a capital letter for the first word spoken
  • I can put the question mark, exclamation mark or comma inside the closing marks
  • I can use a comma after a reporting clause
  • I can start a new line for each new speaker
  • I can use an ellipsis correctly to show a pause or a trailing voice
  • I can punctuate a book title, a story title and a poem title in speech

Key terms

direct speech
the exact words that someone says, in inverted commas
inverted commas
the marks (" " or ' ') used around direct speech and titles of short works
reporting clause
the words that say who speaks, such as said Ali or asked Ruby
ellipsis
three full stops (...) used to show a pause, a trailing off, or words left out
speech verb
a verb that reports how something is said, such as whispered or shouted
italics
slanted print, used for book titles

Exercise 6Z  Check-up

1
Add the speech marks: Come inside said Gran. Write the corrected sentence.
2
Which punctuation is correct? Choose one: "Where is it?" asked Ben., "Where is it." asked Ben. or "Where is it" asked Ben..
3
Add the comma after the reporting clause: Mum called "Dinner is ready" Write the corrected sentence.
4
Write the reply on a new line: "Are you ready?" asked Sam. "Yes" replied Dad. Write Dad's line.
5
Is this correct? Ben said "I am ready." Choose one: True or False.
6
Add an ellipsis to show a pause: "Well I suppose we can go," said Zara. Write the corrected speech.
7
Which speech verb suits a quiet secret voice? Write one word.
8
Correct the punctuation: "Stop" yelled Dad. Write the corrected sentence.
9
Which is correct for a short story called The Storm, in a sentence? Choose one: "The Storm", The Storm or The Storm.
10
Write a question in speech marks, with a reporting clause after it.

Total 16 marks. Allow about 16 minutes.

Exercise 6X  Practice test questions

1
FAdd the speech marks and punctuation: Where did you leave my hat said Ali. Write the corrected sentence.[1 mark]
2
FWhich sentence is punctuated correctly? Choose one: Gran said, "Supper is ready.", Gran said "Supper is ready,". or Gran said, "Supper is ready"..[1 mark]
3
PSWrite the sentence with the reporting clause first: "Look at that!" Lena gasped. Write the corrected sentence.[2 marks]
4
PSAdd an ellipsis to show a pause: "Honestly I think we should wait," said Tom. Write the corrected speech.[2 marks]
5
FWhich uses single marks inside double marks correctly? Choose one: "Have you read 'The Night Bird'?" asked Ruby., "Have you read "The Night Bird"?" asked Ruby. or 'Have you read 'The Night Bird'?' asked Ruby..[2 marks]
6
FIs this correct? "The bell rang!" said the teacher. Choose one: True or False.[1 mark]
7
PSCorrect the punctuation: Dad said "Breakfast is ready". Write the corrected sentence.[2 marks]
8
FWhich speech verb fits a quiet, secret voice? Choose one: shouted, whispered or demanded.[1 mark]
9
PSWrite one line of direct speech that uses an ellipsis to show hesitation.[2 marks]
10
RExplain why a new line is used each time a different person speaks.[2 marks]
← Chapter 5: Commas, brackets and dashes for clarityChapter 7: Spelling rules: prefixes, suffixes and word families →

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