isiZulu Home Language - Term 2 - Week 4

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. It begins with a capital letter and ends with a punctuation mark. The most common punctuation marks are the full stop (.), question mark (?), and exclamation mark (!). Today, we will learn how to write sentences correctly and use punctuation marks to make our writing clear.

Let’s look at some examples. 'UThandi uyathanda ukudlala.' (Thandi loves to play.) This sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop. Another example is 'Uphi uSipho?' (Where is Sipho?) This sentence ends with a question mark because it asks something. Notice how each sentence conveys a complete thought.

Now, let’s practice together. I will say a sentence, and you will help me write it down with the correct punctuation. For example, I say, 'Ngiyafunda.' (I am learning.) What punctuation do we need at the end? Yes, a full stop! Let’s write it together on the board. Next, I will say, 'Uthanda ukudlala?' (Do you love to play?) What punctuation do we use here? Correct, a question mark!

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 writing, read your sentences to a partner and check if they have the right punctuation and spacing.

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

Answer: Question mark (?)

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

• Running fast.
• The dog barks.
• Jumping high!
• Quickly.

Answer: The dog barks.

This is a complete thought and has a subject and a verb.

Answer: My favorite food is pizza.

This sentence expresses a complete thought and uses correct punctuation.

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

Answer: Exclamation mark (!)

An exclamation mark is used at the end of a sentence to show strong feelings or excitement.

Answer: Capital letter.

The first letter of a sentence must always be a capital letter.

• I love ice cream
• I love ice cream.
• I love ice cream!
• I love ice cream?

Answer: I love ice cream.

This sentence is correctly punctuated with a full stop.

• No spaces
• One space between words
• Two spaces between words
• Three spaces between words

Answer: One space between words

Each word in a sentence should be separated by one space for clarity.