Keep speech and reporting separate

1 · Learn

In 'Ari asked, "Where is the key?"', the exact speech is a question, so its question mark goes before the closing inverted commas. The reporting clause tells who spoke.

When the reporting clause follows, write '"I found it," Sam said.' The comma belongs inside the closing inverted commas. A new speaker normally begins a new paragraph.

Reporting clauseExact spoken wordsPunctuation inside speech marksNew speaker, new paragraph

Key words and supplied examples.

2 · Worked example

I write '"Wait!" Jo called.' The exclamation mark belongs to the spoken words, so I do not add a comma after it.

3 · Your turn

Punctuate: ari asked where is the map

Check your answer

Ari asked, "Where is the map?"

4 · Apply your learning

Write a four-line conversation with two speakers. Check each speaker's paragraph and read it aloud to confirm which words are speech.

Adult guidance and safety

Read and discuss whole books, poems and plays alongside these original short models. Give evidence for interpretations and accept well-supported alternatives. Revisit spelling and handwriting over time; retain individual decoding support where needed.

1 · Learn

2 · Worked example

3 · Your turn

4 · Apply your learning

Lesson resources

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