isiXhosa Home Language - Term 2 - Week 4

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. In isiXhosa, sentences often start with a capital letter and end with a full stop (.), question mark (?), or exclamation mark (!). Today, we will learn how to write sentences correctly and use punctuation marks to show how we feel or what we are asking.

Let’s look at some examples of sentences. 'UJohn uthanda ukudlala.' (John loves to play.) This sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop. Now, if we ask a question, like 'Uphi uJohn?' (Where is John?), we use a question mark at the end. Notice how the punctuation changes the meaning of the sentence.

Now, let’s write a sentence together. I will say a sentence, and you will help me write it on the board. 'Ityala lethu lincinci.' (Our book is small.) What do we need at the beginning of the sentence? Yes, a capital letter! And what do we need at the end? Correct, a full stop! Let’s write it together and check for any mistakes.

Now it’s your turn! Write three sentences about your favorite animal. Remember to start each sentence with a capital letter and end with the correct punctuation. After you finish, read your sentences to a partner and check if they have the right punctuation and spacing.

• Full stop
• Exclamation mark
• Question mark
• Comma

Answer: Question mark

A question mark is used at the end of a question to indicate that information is being requested.

• UJohn
• UJohn uthanda ukudlala.
• Uthanda
• UJohn ukudlala

Answer: UJohn uthanda ukudlala.

This option is a complete sentence that expresses a full thought.

Answer: Exclamation mark

An exclamation mark shows strong feelings or excitement.

• With a small letter
• With a capital letter
• With a number
• With a punctuation mark

Answer: With a capital letter

Every sentence should start with a capital letter to indicate the beginning of a new thought.

Answer: Responses will vary.

Students should write a complete sentence that expresses their thought about their favorite food.

• Full stop
• Comma
• Question mark
• Exclamation mark

Answer: Comma

A comma is used to separate items in a list to make it clear and easy to read.

Answer: Punctuation and spacing

It is important to check that we have used the correct punctuation and that there is proper spacing between words.

• To make sentences longer