“ Speech Marks “
Speech marks are used to show words which are spoken (speech)
“What are you doing?“ asked Stephen.
“I’m doing my homework.“ replied Nicola
Always start a new line when a new person speaks.
‘ Apostrophes ‘
Used for two reasons:
Possession – Jake‘s coat / Thomas‘ bag
Contraction – You are = You‘re / I am = I‘m
! Exclamation Mark !
This can be used to show:
A loud voice: “No!” she shouted angrily.
A Strong feeling: Oh my god! I can’t believe it!
? Question Mark ?
Placed at the end of a sentence which is a direct question:
What are you doing?
Do you want some chocolate?
If the question is used in speech, a question mark is still used:
“What are you doing?” enquired Joe
“Do you want some chocolate?” asked Charlotte
, Commas ,
Used:
To separate words in a list: an apple, a banana, some strawberries and a melon.
After a connective: Later that day, she fell ill.
To add extra information: The man, who was tall and handsome, smiled softly at me.
In between sentences in speech: “I know,” she said, “I will do it.”
… Ellipsis …
This can be used:
To indicate a pause: “hmm…” she pondered.
As a ‘cliff-hanger‘: Suddenly…
; Semi-colon ;
This can be used:
To join two sentences instead of a connective: I don’t like netball; I enjoy squash.
In a list, if the listed items include 3 or more words: Her folder contained a letter to her MP; a short story about a kidnap; three poems about her holiday and a study of Macbeth.
: Colon :
This is used:
To introduce a list: I am going to buy: some jeans, a t-shirt and some trainers.
Between a statement and an explanation: This time he’d win: he couldn’t afford to lose.
