Tshivenda First Additional Language - Term 3 - Week 5

Grammar is the set of rules that helps us use a language correctly. In Tshivenda, we need to pay attention to how we form sentences, use punctuation marks, and spell words. Today, we will learn how to identify mistakes in sentences and how to correct them. We will also practice writing our own sentences with the right punctuation.

Let’s look at this sentence: 'mama u na vhukuma.' (Mom is strong.) Here, we need to add a full stop at the end. The correct sentence is 'mama u na vhukuma.' Now, let’s try another example: 'ndivhu na u shuma.' (I am working) – this sentence is correct, but we can add a full stop to make it complete: 'ndivhu na u shuma.'

Now, I will give you some words, and I want you to form a complete sentence. The words are: 'ndivhu' (I), 'na' (and), 'u' (you), 'shuma' (work). How can we arrange these words to make a correct sentence? Remember to use punctuation at the end. Let’s discuss your sentences together.

I will hand out a short text with some mistakes in it. Your task is to read the text carefully and find the errors. Once you find them, write the corrected version of the text on your own paper. Pay attention to punctuation and spacing. After you finish, we will share our corrections as a class.

• To make words longer
• To help us understand sentences
• To confuse readers
• To add colors to writing

Answer: To help us understand sentences

Punctuation marks clarify the meaning of sentences and indicate pauses.

• mama u na vhukuma
• mama u na vhukuma.
• mama u na vhukuma!
• mama u na vhukuma?

Answer: mama u na vhukuma.

The correct sentence ends with a full stop to indicate it is complete.

Answer: Punctuation marks

Punctuation marks are used to clarify the meaning of sentences.

• ndivhu
• shuma
• vhukuma
• shumah

Answer: shumah

The correct spelling is 'shuma'.

Answer: U shuma na vhukuma.

This sentence means 'You work hard.' and is correctly structured.

• Use a full stop
• Use a question mark
• Use an exclamation mark
• Nothing

Answer: Use a question mark

A question mark indicates that the sentence is asking something.

• Ndivhu u na vhukuma.
• Ndivhu u na vhukuma
• Ndivhu u na vhukuma!
• Ndivhu u na vhukuma?

Answer: Ndivhu u na vhukuma

This sentence is missing punctuation at the end.

Answer: Read it aloud.