1. Quotations

2. Direct quotations
If you are using someone’s exact words, you must put the words in quotation marks.
Katie said, “I would like vanilla ice cream.”

3. Indirect quotations
If you are reporting what someone said, but not using their exact words, you do not need quotation marks.
Katie said that she would like vanilla ice cream.

4. My favorite book is Holes.
Jason

5. Punctuation
Commas are used to set off the he/she said clause of a quotation. Commas always go before the quotes.
He said, “We are leaving.”
“I like the blue shirt,” Sara said.

6. End Punctuation
Periods, question marks, exclamation marks, or commas at the end of a quote always go inside the quotation marks.
She asked, “Why do we have to go?”
“When we run,” Cathy said, “I will be tired.”

7. Multiple quotations
Every time a new speaker speaks, begin a new paragraph.
“Where are we going?” I asked Christopher.
“I’m not sure,” he said. “I think we’re lost.”
“Oh not again,” I sighed.