How To Write Direct Speech - Speech Rules KS2 Classroom Display

This classroom display pack features a set of seven posters demonstrating the rules that must be remembered when writing direct speech in KS2. These eye-catching resources are perfect for Year 3 or Year 4 classroom displays when teaching the use of inverted commas or to revisit this area of grammar across Key Stage 2.

What is included in this speech rules KS2 classroom display pack?

• 7 x A4 writing direct speech posters, with example sentences
• 1 giant version of the last A4 poster to create a larger classroom display
• Teacher notes

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What is direct speech?

Direct speech is when the exact words that someone says are written.

• “We are going on an adventure,” said Travis.

How do we punctuate direct speech?

Inverted commas, or speech marks, are used when writing direct speech. The inverted commas go around what is said within a sentence. Other speech punctuation is also needed. Punctuation is needed at the end of the direct speech before the inverted comma, and a comma is used after the reporting clause if this comes before the direct speech.

• “We are going on an adventure,” said Travis.
• Travis said, “We are going on an adventure.”

What is the reporting clause?

The reporting clause is the short clause that can come before or after the direct speech that states who was talking. It can also show how the speech was said.

• “We are going on an adventure,” announced Travis.

National Curriculum English programme of study links

• Pupils should compose and rehearse sentences orally, progressively building a varied and rich vocabulary and an increasing range of sentence structures.
• Pupils should be taught to use and punctuate direct speech.
• Pupils should be taught to use and understand the grammatical terminology in English appendix 2 accurately and appropriately when discussing their writing.

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• 7 x A4 writing direct speech posters, with example sentences
• 1 giant version of the last A4 poster to create a larger classroom display
• Teacher notes