Direct Speech: hermit crab
The Grammar Bit!
Read the conversation between Carlos and Ayla in the scintillating sentences section opposite. The passage uses direct speech to show the actual words spoken by the two characters.
With your talk partner, investigate the passage to see if the following rules have been followed.
Direct Speech Rules
- The spoken words are enclosed by inverted commas (or speech marks).
- A reporting clause can be used at the beginning or end of the spoken words. e.g. (end) replied Carlos.
- A comma, question mark or exclamation mark is placed inside the closing inverted comma.
- A capital letter is used at the beginning of the spoken words (unless it is part of sentence that has been interrupted by a reporting clause).
- A new line should be started when there is a change of speaker.
Scintillating Sentences
As the blazing sun beat down upon the beach, a beautiful shell washed ashore. It caught the eye of some hermit crabs, hoping to upgrade to a new home.
“Ooooh, what a beautiful shell!’ exclaimed Alya.“Do you think it will fit me?” she asked, as she made her way over to where the shell sat.
“Pffft, I don’t think so,” replied Carlos.“Even if it did, that shell is going to be mine.” However, as they approached the shell, it soon became clear that it was too big for either of the little crabs.
Did you know?
If a hermit crab finds itself in a shell that is too small, and if nothing larger is available, they have the rare ability to decrease in size by shedding their skin.