Xitsonga First Additional Language - Term 3 - Week 5

Punctuation marks are important in writing because they help us understand the meaning of sentences. In Xitsonga, we use full stops (.) to end sentences, commas (,) to separate items in a list, and question marks (?) to indicate questions. Today, we will learn how to use these punctuation marks correctly in our writing.

Let's look at some sentences: 'Nwa-nkulu u ya esikolweni' (The big child goes to school). Notice how we end the sentence with a full stop. Now, if we want to list fruits, we can say: 'Mango, anana, na lemondi' (Mango, pineapple, and lemon). Here, we use commas to separate the items. Let's practice identifying the punctuation in these sentences together.

Now, I will read a short paragraph, and I want you to listen carefully. After I finish, we will discuss where the punctuation marks should go. The paragraph is: 'Nwa-nkulu u funa ku dya, u rhandza mango na lemondi' (The big child wants to eat, he loves mango and lemon). Where do you think we should place the commas and full stops? Let's work together to edit this paragraph.

It's your turn to write! I want you to write three sentences about your favorite food. Remember to use correct punctuation and spacing. After you finish writing, pair up with a friend and read your sentences to each other. Check if you used punctuation correctly and if there is enough space between your words.

• .
• ,
• ?

Answer: .

A full stop (.) is used to indicate the end of a sentence.

• Mango, banana, apple.
• Mango banana apple.
• Mango; banana; apple.

Answer: Mango, banana, apple.

Commas are used to separate items in a list.

Answer: What is your favorite food?

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

• U ya esikolweni.
• U ya esikolweni,
• U ya esikolweni?

Answer: U ya esikolweni.

The sentence ends with a full stop, indicating it is a statement.

Answer: Spacing.

Spacing refers to the gaps between words in a sentence.

• !
• ?
• .

Answer: !

An exclamation mark (!) is used to show excitement or strong feelings.

• To end a sentence.
• To separate items.
• To ask a question.

Answer: To separate items.

Commas are used to separate items in a list or clauses in a sentence.

Answer: My favorite animal is a dog.

This sentence expresses a personal preference and should end with a full stop.