Sepedi First Additional Language - Term 4 - Week 3

Grammar is the set of rules that helps us use a language correctly. In Sepedi, just like in any language, we need to pay attention to how we form sentences. This includes using the right words, putting them in the correct order, and using punctuation marks like full stops, commas, and question marks. Today, we will explore how to build sentences that make sense and are easy to read.

Let’s look at this sentence: 'mama go ya sekolo.' This sentence is missing punctuation. The correct version is 'Mama o ya sekolo.' Notice how we added 'o' for the subject and used a capital letter at the beginning. Now, let’s correct another sentence together: 'bana ba ja borai.' What punctuation do we need here?

Now, let’s work together to build sentences. I will give you some words: 'bana', 'ba', 'bona', 'mošomo'. Can anyone arrange these words into a correct sentence? Remember to think about the order and punctuation. Once you have your sentence, raise your hand to share it with the class.

For your independent practice, I want you to look at the short text I have given you. It has several mistakes in grammar and punctuation. Read the text carefully, and then rewrite it correctly on your own paper. Pay attention to the use of capital letters, full stops, and commas. After you finish, we will share our corrected texts with a partner.

• with a small letter
• with a capital letter
• with a number

Answer: with a capital letter

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

Answer: Question mark

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

• bana ba ja borai
• Bana ba ja borai.
• Bana ba ja borai,

Answer: Bana ba ja borai.

The correct sentence has a capital letter at the start and a full stop at the end.

Answer: Mama o ja borai.

This sentence correctly uses the subject 'Mama' and includes a verb and object.

• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Punctuation

Answer: Grammar

Grammar refers to the rules that govern how we use a language.

Answer: To clarify meaning and indicate pauses.

Punctuation helps readers understand the structure and meaning of sentences.

• Ona o a ja.
• Ona o a ja
• Ona O a ja.

Answer: Ona o a ja

This sentence is missing a full stop at the end.

Answer: Edit it.

Editing helps to correct mistakes and improve the clarity of your writing.