Xitsonga First Additional Language - Term 4 - Week 10

A sentence is a group of words that express a complete thought. In Xitsonga, just like in English, sentences start with a capital letter and end with a punctuation mark, such as a full stop (.), question mark (?), or exclamation mark (!). Punctuation helps us know when to pause and how to express feelings. For example, 'Ndi na n'wana' (I have a child) is a simple sentence. We will also learn about spacing, which means leaving a space between each word to make our writing clear.

Let's look at some examples of sentences. 'Ndi suka eVuwani' (I come from Vuwani) is a complete thought and has a capital letter at the beginning. If we want to ask a question, we can say, 'U na n'wina?' (Do you have?). Notice how the question mark shows that we are asking something. When we write, we must remember to leave a space after each word, like this: 'Ndi suka eVuwani.'

Now, let's create sentences as a class. I will say a word, and you will help me form a sentence. For example, if I say 'mufana' (boy), you might say, 'Mufana u dya' (The boy is eating). Remember to start with a capital letter and end with a full stop. After we create a few sentences together, we will check for correct punctuation and spacing. I will write them on the board, and we will read them aloud.

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 writing, read your sentences to a partner and check if you used spaces correctly. Once you finish, we will share some of our sentences with the class.

• Full stop
• Comma
• Question mark
• Exclamation mark

Answer: Question mark

A question mark is used at the end of a question to indicate that an answer is expected.

• Running fast
• The dog barks.
• Barks loudly
• Is a cat

Answer: The dog barks.

A complete sentence expresses a full thought and includes a subject and a verb.

Answer: Leave a space.

Leaving a space between words helps make the sentence clear and easy to read.

• Full stop
• Comma
• Question mark
• Exclamation mark

Answer: Exclamation mark

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

Answer: Responses will vary.

Students should write a complete sentence that expresses their thought about their favorite food.

• Lowercase
• Capital letter
• Small letter
• Punctuation

Answer: Capital letter

The first letter of a sentence should always be a capital letter to indicate the beginning of a new thought.

Answer: A sentence.

A sentence is a complete thought expressed in words.

• Comma
• Full stop
• Question mark
• Letter