Sesotho Home Language - Term 3 - Week 2

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. In Sesotho, sentences often start with a capital letter and end with a full stop (.) or a question mark (?). For example, 'Ke rata ho bapala' means 'I like to play.' It is important to use correct punctuation to help the reader understand when a thought ends or when a question is being asked.

Let's look at some examples. 'Mokhulu o na le ntja.' (Grandpa has a dog.) This sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop. Now, if we want to ask a question, we can say, 'O na le ntja?' (Do you have a dog?) Notice how the question mark shows that we are asking something. Practicing these examples will help us write our own sentences correctly.

Now, let's create sentences as a class. I will say a word, and you will help me form a sentence. For example, if I say 'pula' (rain), you might say, 'Pula e na.' (It is raining.) Remember to start with a capital letter and end with a full stop. After we create a few sentences together, we will check if they are correct and discuss why punctuation is important.

It's your turn to write! I want you to write three sentences about your favorite animal. Make sure to start each sentence with a capital letter and end with the correct punctuation. After you finish writing, share your sentences with a partner and check if they used punctuation correctly. This will help you learn from each other.

• A phrase
• A sentence
• A question

Answer: A sentence

A sentence is defined as a complete thought expressed in words.

• Question mark (?)
• Exclamation mark (!)
• Full stop (.)

Answer: Full stop (.)

A full stop is used to indicate the end of a statement.

• Lowercase
• Uppercase
• It doesn't matter

Answer: Uppercase

Every sentence should start with an uppercase letter.

Answer: Ke rata pizza.

This sentence means 'I like pizza' and should start with a capital letter and end with a full stop.

• Comma (,)
• Full stop (.)
• Question mark (?)

Answer: Question mark (?)

A question mark indicates that a sentence is asking something.

Answer: Exclamation mark (!)

An exclamation mark is used to express strong feelings or excitement.

• ke rata ho ja
• Ke rata ho ja.
• Ke rata ho ja?

Answer: Ke rata ho ja.

This sentence is correct because it starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop.

Answer: Check for punctuation.

Checking for punctuation ensures your sentence is complete and clear.