Sesotho First Additional Language - Term 4 - Week 10

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. In Sesotho, just like in English, every sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a punctuation mark. The most common punctuation marks are the full stop (.), question mark (?), and exclamation mark (!). For example, 'Ke rata ho bapala.' means 'I like to play.' This sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop.

Let's look at some sentences together. Read the following sentences aloud: 'O na le ntja?' and 'Ke thabile!' Notice how the first sentence ends with a question mark because it asks something, while the second sentence ends with an exclamation mark to show excitement. When we write, we must remember to use the correct punctuation to convey our message clearly.

Now, let's practice writing sentences as a class. I will say a sentence, and you will help me write it on the board. For example, if I say, 'The cat is sleeping,' we will write it together, ensuring we start with a capital letter and end with a full stop. After writing, we will read the sentence together and check if we used the correct punctuation. Then, I will ask you to create your own sentences using the same structure.

It's your turn to write! I want each of you to 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, share your sentences with a partner and check each other's work for correct punctuation and spacing. This will help you learn from each other!

• Phrase
• Sentence
• Paragraph
• Word

Answer: Sentence

A sentence is a complete thought made up of words.

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

Answer: Question mark (?)

A question mark is used to indicate that a sentence is asking something.

Answer: Ke rata pizza.

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

• Running fast.
• The dog barks.
• Very happy.
• In the garden.

Answer: The dog barks.

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

Answer: Exclamation mark (!)

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

• With a small letter
• With a capital letter
• With a number
• With a symbol

Answer: With a capital letter

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

Answer: To separate words and make the sentence clear.

Spacing helps readers understand where one word ends and another begins.

• I like ice cream
• I like ice cream.
• i like ice cream.