Module 1: Speech marks

XSIQ
*

Grammar - Speech marks 3

Speech marks 3

Direct speech records _exactly _what a person has said.

Newspapers often use direct speech to quote the exact words used by
somebody. This becomes very important when recording a speech or an address
by a public figure. When direct speech is used in this way the authority or
knowledge of the person being quoted is thus acknowledged. Direct speech
also makes emotional statements very powerful. When we read the exact words
spoken it is easier for us to put ourselves in the person's situation and
to see what is happening to them _from their viewpoint._

Shortly after the earthquake had destroyed her village a young mother was
heard to say, "It came out of nowhere. We were totally unprepared. At that
moment in time I thought I would never see my children again."

"Until we make the issue of youth homelessness a priority we will continue
to face a growing social crisis," said the Prime Minister.

Previous | Next