See free Year 3 direct speech worked examples with clear strategies and answers, aligned to the England primary curriculum.
Model the thinking
Four worked examples
Try each question first, then compare the strategy and answer. The aim is to understand the method, not just copy the final result.
1
Speech marks
Add speech marks: Sam said, I am ready.
How to think about it: Identify the sentence feature first, apply the rule only where it is needed, then reread the whole sentence aloud to check that the meaning and punctuation are clear.
Show answer
Answer: Sam said, “I am ready.”
2
Speaker
In '“Wait!” shouted Mia.' Who is speaking?
How to think about it: Identify the sentence feature first, apply the rule only where it is needed, then reread the whole sentence aloud to check that the meaning and punctuation are clear.
Show answer
Answer: Mia
3
Punctuation
Which is correct: “Come here,” said Dad. / “Come here” said Dad.
How to think about it: Identify the sentence feature first, apply the rule only where it is needed, then reread the whole sentence aloud to check that the meaning and punctuation are clear.
Show answer
Answer: “Come here,” said Dad.
4
New speaker
What should happen when a new person starts speaking?
How to think about it: Identify the sentence feature first, apply the rule only where it is needed, then reread the whole sentence aloud to check that the meaning and punctuation are clear.
Show answer
Answer: Start a new line/paragraph.
Next step
Turn the explanation into practice
Use the printable for independent work, or return to the topic overview to choose another way to practise.