Story telling - Direct speech

Story telling - Direct Speech

Task One

Add speech marks in the correct places and start new a new line when necessary. You might need to read through the passage more than once to work out what each character is saying.

Excuse me, said the man. Can you tell me what the time is? I think it’s about 8 o’clock, replied Graham. I haven’t got my watch on but I remember seeing the time on the town hall clock a few minutes ago. The town hall! said the man. That’s just what I’m looking for. Can you point me in the right direction? Certainly, said Graham. You just go down there past the bank, turn left, go straight on and the town hall will be on your right hand side. Brilliant, said the man, Thanks for your help. That’s okay, said Graham. 

Task Two

Add speech marks, punctuation and start new lines where necessary to the following text.

Too late for what, Grandma? It’s ridiculous she went on. You’re nearly as tall as me already. George took a good look at Grandma. She certainly was a very tiny person. Her legs were so short she had to have a footstool to put her feet on, and her head only came halfway up the back of the armchair. Daddy says it’s fine for a man to be tall George said. Don’t’ listen to your Daddy Grandma said. Listen to me. But how do I stop myself growing? George asked her. Eat less chocolate Grandma said. Does chocolate make you grow? It makes you grow the wrong way she snapped. Up instead of down. Grandma sipped some tea but never took her eyes from the little boy who stood before her. Never grow up she said. Always down. Yes, Grandma. And stop eating chocolate. Eat cabbage instead. Cabbage! Oh no, I don’t like cabbage George said.

Extension Task 

Consolidate what you’ve learnt. Write a passage that uses direct speech. Show me that you know where to put speech marks and other punctuation. Show me that you can remember to start a new line for each new speaker. 

Some suggestions for what your passage could be about: 
(a) Two friends having a chat about last night’s television. 
(b) A person going to buy a car/computer etc. from a salesperson. 
(c) A telephone conversation between a person who is reporting a lost pet and a policeman.