Direct speech (inverted commas): moose
The Grammar Bit!
Read the three sentences opposite that feature the animals in the main clip. You’ll notice that they have been given human qualities that include the power of speech. Have you read any stories where animals have been brought to life in this way?
When you want to show the words spoken by a character, you must use inverted commas (also known as speech marks). Notice how they enclose (go around) the spoken words.
For each sentence, a reporting clause (bold) is used to introduce the spoken words so that we know who is speaking.
With your talk partner, discuss where the reporting clause comes in each of the sentences opposite. Once you have done this, see if you can identify the punctuation marks (other than inverted commas) that have been used.
Scintillating Sentences
1) “Come into the water, it’s lovely and warm!” yelled the mother moose happily, whilst swimming around.
2) “Are you hungry?” questioned the mother moose. “There’s plenty of plants in here.”
3) As the calf entered the lake, she said excitedly, “Look at me mother, I’m swimming!”
Did you know?
When male moose (bulls) shed their antlers it does not hurt them.