Direct Speech
Using Quotation MarksLearn how to write exactly what someone said!
đ Let’s Learn Direct Speech!
Direct speech is when you write the exact words someone said. You put the spoken words inside quotation marks (” “). For example: Priya said, “I love mangoes.”
Quotation marks are like a frame around spoken words. Everything INSIDE the marks is what the person actually said. Everything OUTSIDE is the narrator telling you WHO said it. This is how dialogue works in storybooks!
đĄ The Rule
Rule 1: Put spoken words inside ” “ (quotation marks).
Rule 2: Start the spoken words with a capital letter.
Rule 3: Put a comma before the quotation marks.
Rule 4: Put the full stop/? /! inside the quotation marks.
đ¯ Key Concept
đŦ Priya said, “I love mangoes.”
đŦ “Where are you going?” asked Aarav.
đŦ Mum shouted, “Come home now!”
đ Direct Speech Rules
Surround the exact words spoken
First word inside quotes is always capital
Put a comma before opening quotes
Full stop, ? and ! go INSIDE the quotes
Reporting words tell WHO spoke and HOW
Each new speaker starts on a new line
đŦ Word Groups & Examples
Learn with organized examples and sentences!
Basic Direct Speech
Questions in Direct Speech
Exclamations in Direct Speech
Reporting Words
đĸ Read & Say with Expression!
Read each sentence with the right voice â quotes = the person’s actual voice!
âī¸ Add Quotation Marks
Choose the right answer!
1. Rahul said, ___I am happy.___
2. The spoken words start with a ___ letter.
3. Full stops go ___ the quotation marks.
4. Before opening quotes, we put a ___.
5. “Where are you?” ___ Mum.
đ¯ Statement, Question, or Exclamation?
Click each direct speech â what type is it?
Click any to check!
đ Sentence Reading Practice
Read each â notice the quotation marks, commas, and punctuation!
Rahul said, “I love playing cricket.”
“Where is my pencil?” asked Priya.
Mum shouted, “Come home before dark!”
“Can I have some water?” the boy asked politely.
The teacher said, “Open your books to page 25.”
“Wow!” exclaimed Aarav. “The magic trick was amazing!”
Memory Trick
Remember the 4 rules: 1. Comma before quotes. 2. Capital letter starts the speech. 3. Punctuation (.?!) goes INSIDE. 4. Close the quotes. C-C-P-C!
đŽ Direct Speech Quiz
Test what you’ve learned!
Direct speech uses…
Spoken words start with a…
Where does the full stop go?
Before opening quotes, put a…
“Help!” uses which punctuation?
Which is a reporting word?
Which is correct?
“Whispered” means spoke…
đ Quiz Complete!
0/8Fun Facts
In British English, single quotes (‘ ‘) are often used instead of double quotes (” “). In Indian schools, double quotes are more common!
The word “quotation” comes from Latin “quotare” meaning “to number”. Originally, quotation marks were used to number important passages in books!
đ§ Tips for Parents
Read Dialogue Aloud
While reading storybooks, act out the dialogue. Child reads what’s INSIDE quotes with expression!
Write a Conversation
Ask your child to write a 5-line conversation between two friends using proper quotation marks.
Interview Game
Play interview: one asks questions, other answers. Then write it as direct speech. Fun and practical!