What you will learn in Grade 4
Today's goal: Write short pieces of direct speech with correct punctuation and clear speakers.
Core concept
Maya said, "I am ready."
Direct speech reports the speaker’s exact words.
Core concept
"Please sit down," said the teacher.
Direct speech can include a reporting clause to show who spoke.
Core concept
The reporting clause tells us who spoke.
A reporting clause tells the reader who said the quoted words.
Core concept
Use quotation marks around the exact words spoken.
Quotation marks show the exact words spoken in direct speech.
Core idea
Write short pieces of direct speech with correct punctuation and clear speakers.
Read the explanation, study the examples and explain the idea in your own words.
Learn with examples
Speaker
Maya
“Maya” identifies who said the words.
Exact words
I am ready.
“I am ready.” keeps the speaker’s exact words inside quotation marks.
Reporting verb
said
“said” introduces the idea being reported by another person.
See the skill in action
Speech"Come here," said Dad.
Question"Are you ready?" asked Maya.
StatementRavi said, "I finished."
Quick check
Which punctuation marks surround the exact spoken words?
Practice like a learner
- Add quotation marks to a short sentence.
- Add a comma before a reporting clause.
- Write one line of dialogue.
- Use 'asked' for a question.
- Check that the reader knows who is speaking.
Self-check: Can you explain the rule, give a new example and tell someone why your answer is correct?
Ready for the next level?
Free practice builds confidence. Live Zynospark classes add teacher explanation, correction, structured practice and feedback.
Explore online tuition →