isiNdebele Home Language - Term 1 - Week 9

Punctuation marks are important in writing because they help us understand the meaning of sentences. For example, a full stop (.) tells us when a sentence ends, while a question mark (?) shows that someone is asking something. Today, we will learn how to use these punctuation marks correctly in our sentences.

Let's look at the sentence: 'uThandi uthanda amanzi' (Thandi loves water). If we want to make it clearer, we can add punctuation: 'uThandi uthanda amanzi.' Now, it is clear that this is a statement. We can also ask: 'uThandi uthanda amanzi?' to turn it into a question. Notice how punctuation changes the meaning!

In groups, you will receive a list of sentences that are missing punctuation. For example, 'uSipho uthanda ukudlala' (Sipho loves to play). Work together to add the correct punctuation marks. Afterward, we will share our corrected sentences with the class and discuss why we chose those punctuation marks.

Now it’s your turn! Write three sentences about your favorite food. Remember to use correct punctuation at the end of each sentence. After writing, swap your paper with a partner and check each other's work for punctuation and spacing. Make any necessary corrections together.

• A question
• The end of a sentence
• A pause in speaking
• An exclamation

Answer: The end of a sentence

A full stop shows that a sentence has finished.

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

Answer: Question mark (?)

A question mark is used at the end of a sentence that asks something.

Answer: uMhlobo wami ungumfana.

This sentence means 'My friend is a boy.' It ends with a full stop.

• To make it longer
• To correct mistakes
• To change the meaning
• To add more words

Answer: To correct mistakes

Editing helps us fix errors in our writing.

Answer: Exclamation mark (!)

An exclamation mark shows strong feelings or excitement.

• uThandi uthanda amanzi
• uThandi uthanda amanzi?
• uThandi uthanda amanzi!
• All of the above

Answer: All of the above

Each option is a correct sentence depending on the context.

• No spaces at all
• One space after punctuation
• Two spaces after punctuation
• Spaces before punctuation

Answer: One space after punctuation

We use one space after punctuation to separate sentences clearly.