Mastering Direct Speech

Direct Speech: Rules and Examples

• Direct speech relays the exact words spoken and is indicated by quotation marks or inverted commas.
• Direct speech is used in fiction to develop characters and their personalities.
• Indirect speech reports what someone has said without fully writing the speech.
• Children typically learn about direct speech at age seven to eight and learn its rules.
• Punctuation is used to separate dialogue from the rest of the text, and direct speech should be placed inside speech marks.
• Some writers use double speech marks, while others use single speech marks, but consistency is key.
• Each time a new person speaks, a new line should be taken to help readers follow the dialogue.
• Each new line of direct speech should start with a capital letter.
• Reporting clauses indicate who is speaking and are not always necessary if it is clear who is speaking.
• Punctuation should be inside the speech marks at the end of each section of direct speech.
• If there is a reporting clause, there should be a comma before the final speech marks, and a full stop should come after the reporting clause.
• Reporting clauses can be placed in the middle of a piece of direct speech, and punctuation still goes inside the speech marks of the first section.

Test your knowledge on the rules and examples of direct speech with this quiz! From understanding the use of quotation marks to learning how to properly punctuate dialogue, this quiz will challenge your understanding of direct speech. Whether you're a writer looking to improve your dialogue or a student learning about this topic for the first time, this quiz is perfect for you. Don't miss the opportunity to test your skills and become a master of direct speech!