The document provides guidelines for using quotation marks, including enclosing direct quotes but not indirect quotes. Direct quotes use quotation marks at the beginning and end and retain the speaker's exact words. Indirect quotes do not use quotation marks and rephrase the speaker's words. Punctuation like periods and commas go inside the closing quotation mark, while question marks and exclamation points go inside or outside depending on whether they are part of the quote. Dialogue in a story is indicated with quotation marks and a new paragraph each time the speaker changes. Several examples are provided to demonstrate proper punctuation and formatting of direct quotes.

1. Dialogue Use quotation marks to enclose a direct quotation – a person’s exact words.

2. Place quotation marks both before and after a person’s exact words. “When the bell rings,” said the teacher, “leave the room quietly.” “What is that ahead?” asked Chad. Mr. Colby said, “This ship will never sink.”

3. Do not use quotation marks for an indirect quote – a rewording of the direct quote. Direct Quote Tom predicted, “It will be a close game.” Tom’s exact words Indirect Quote Tom predicted that it would be a close game. Not Tom’s exact words

4. Punctuation Rules Begin with a capital letter Lisa said, “Let’s study math together.” “Our team scored 34 points,” he shouted. A comma or period should be inside the closing quotation marks “The Jones built a new house,” said our neighbor. Daniel replied, “I’m ready to learn.”

5. Punctuation Rules Question marks / exclamation points should be inside the closing quotation marks “Are we there yet?” asked the small child. “Jump!” ordered the firefighter.

6. More Rules In a broken quotation , the second part of the quote begins with a lowercase letter. “Yes,” Jenny added, “he does want to come to the party.” “Let’s go,” suggested her husband, “and join the others for dinner.”

7. Practice Bob said let’s go to the matinee at 3 o’clock. Yes I replied I’ll meet you there. Do you want some popcorn he asked. The people behind us asked Bob to be quiet.

8. Quotation Marks in Dialogue Begin a new paragraph every time the speaker changes “ What movie would you like to see?” Bob asked. “ The DaVinci Code looks good,” I replied. “ Alright,” he stated, “I really enjoyed the book. Hopefully the movie will be just as good.” I laughed and said, “I think books are always better than the movie. Remember Rikki-Tikki-Tavi? That book was great, but the movie was boring.” “ Oh yes, I remember,” he added, “the movie was nothing like I pictured in my imagination.”

9. Practice Come in Mrs. Brown said. You must be Lisa. Hello Mrs. Brown I replied. I’m here to baby-sit your children. They are very excited to meet you she said. This is Katie and this is Kyle. It’s very nice to meet you! I stated enthusiastically.

10. Practice makes Perfect “Come in,” Mrs. Brown said, “you must be Lisa.” “Hello Mrs. Brown,” I replied. “I’m here to baby-sit your children.” “They are very excited to meet you,” she said. “This is Katie and this is Kyle.” “It’s very nice to meet you!” I stated enthusiastically.