Direct speech: harpy eagle
The Grammar Bit!
Read the three sentences opposite. They all use direct speech to tell the reader exactly what was said by the speaker. Remember that inverted commas (or speech marks) are used to indicate this (“…..”).
Notice how in each sentence we are given information about what the speaker was doing as he was speaking (bold). Including actions is a great way to bring characters to life. Furthermore, it will stop you from writing speech ‘ping pong’ (where conversation goes back and forth without any narration in between).
With your talk partner, see if you can replace the actions (bold) with your own ideas.
Scintillating Sentences
1) “I expect the mother will be watching us from a nearby tree,” whispered Alexander as he slipped the stab-proof vest over his head.
2) “With rainforests disappearing at such a rapid rate, I really fear for their future,” said Alex in a serious tone, as he fixed an arrow into the crossbow.
3) As he lay in his hospital bed, with both wrists and one leg in a cast, Alexander told the reporter, “Being face-to-face with the world’s most powerful eagle was a truly nerve-racking experience.”
“We can lift prey equal to our own body weight. Now that’s what I call talonted!”