Enhancing your
writing
Direct and Indirect
Speech
WALT
By the end of the lesson I will:
• Understand the difference between direct
and indirect speech.
• Be able to apply this knowledge in my
writing.
• Accurately punctuate direct and indirect
speech
• Know when and how to change pronouns
and verb tenses in indirect speech.
Direct speech
When we use direct speech in our writing:
• The exact words spoken must be put inside
speech marks. “ ”
• The first spoken word must have a capital
letter.
• When a new speaker begins, we must start
a new line.
Direct speech
Here are some examples
of direct speech.
Direct Speech
I’ve hurt my
leg!
“I’ve hurt my leg!” moaned the boy.
Direct speech
Can you take a
deep breath?
“Can you take a deep breath?” asked the
doctor.
Direct speech
I like this dress.
The woman said, “I like this dress.”
Direct Speech
Use the correct punctuation to write
what is being said.
I’ve caught
three fish.
The train
will leave in
ten minutes!
I love
ice
cream.
I am a
clever
girl.
Do you
know
what
type of
angle
this is?
Indirect speech
This is sometimes called REPORTED SPEECH.
When we use indirect speech in our writing:
• We don’t use speech marks.
• We usually have to change pronouns and verb
tenses.
• We don’t have to start a new line when we
report a new speaker’s words.
Indirect speech
Here are some examples
of indirect speech.
Direct Speech
I’ve hurt my
leg!
The boy moaned that he had hurt his leg.
Direct speech
Can you take a
deep breath?
The doctor asked the boy if he could take
a deep breath.
Direct speech
I like this dress.
The woman said that she liked the dress.
Indirect Speech
Use the correct punctuation to
report what was said.
I’ve caught
three fish.
I love
ice
cream.
I am a
clever
girl.
The train
will leave in
ten minutes!
Do
you
know
what
type of
angle
this
is?
WILF
By the end of the lesson I will look for evidence to
show that you will:
• Understand the difference between direct and
indirect speech.
• Be able to apply this knowledge in your writing.
• Accurately punctuate direct and indirect speech
• Know when and how to change pronouns and
verb tenses in indirect speech.