First Term Lesson Note for Week 3

Class : Primary 4

Subject : English Studies

Topic: Direct Speech

Duration : 80 Minutes

Period : Double Period

Learning Objectives : By the end of the lesson learners will be able to :

I. Define Direct Speech

II. Give examples of direct speech

III. Identify the features of Direct Speech

Content :

• Definition: Direct speech is the exact words spoken by a person, enclosed in quotation marks.
• It is also called Quoted speech. This is because the original words used by the speaker is inside the quotation marks.
• For Example:
• She said, “I am going to school.”
• ” We are tired”, the carpenter said.
• “Can you drive?”, the boy asked his uncle.

1. Punctuation in Direct Speech

• Use quotation marks to show the exact words spoken by the speaker.
• Begin the direct speech with a capital letter.
• Use a comma, question mark, or exclamation mark before the closing quotation mark, depending on the sentence.
• Example: He asked, “Are you coming to the party?”

1. Reporting Verbs

• Common reporting verbs include said, asked, shouted, replied, whispered.
• The reporting verb usually comes before or after the direct speech.
• Example: “I am tired,” she said.
• The teacher said, “Nigeria is in West Africa.”

1. Practice Exercises

Identify the direct speech in these sentences.

1. Kofi said, ” I want to eat rice.”
2. Sam, said, “We are tired.”
3. Jane said, “I shall go to Lagos tomorrow.”
4. Mrs. Okoh said, “London is the capital of England.”
5. “Run to the playing field!”, the teacher told the boys.
6. “Can you drive this car? “, Mrs. Idegwu asked Miss Moshood.

Convert indirect speech to direct speech.

Write sentences using direct speech with correct punctuation.

Conclusion / Wrap – up

Summary

• Direct speech tells us the exact words spoken.
• It is always enclosed in quotation marks.
• Proper punctuation is important for clear meaning.

1. Homework

• Write five sentences using direct speech.
• Underline the direct speech in each sentence.

End of Lesson Note