Xitsonga First Additional Language - Term 4 - Week 3

Grammar is the set of rules that helps us use a language correctly. In Xitsonga, we need to pay attention to how we form sentences, use punctuation, and ensure our words are spaced correctly. Today, we will learn about nouns, verbs, and how to use full stops and question marks in our sentences.

Let's look at the sentence: 'mama go to the store' which is missing punctuation. The correct version is 'Mama goes to the store.' Notice how we capitalized 'Mama' and added 's' to 'go' to make it correct. We also need a full stop at the end of the sentence.

Now, let's work together to build sentences. I will give you a list of words: 'ndzi', 'funa', 'ku', 'bala', 'buku'. Can anyone create a sentence using these words? Remember to use correct punctuation. For example, 'Ndzi funa ku bala buku.'

For your independent practice, I want you to write three sentences about your favorite animal. Make sure to check your sentences for correct punctuation and spacing. After writing, swap your paper with a partner and help each other find any mistakes. Remember to look for capital letters at the beginning of sentences and full stops at the end.

• 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.

• Mama
• funa
• buku

Answer: funa

A verb is an action word, and 'funa' means 'to want' in Xitsonga.

Answer: Question mark

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

• ndzi suka
• Ndzi suka.
• Ndzi suka,

Answer: Ndzi suka.

The correct sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop.

Answer: Ndzi bala buku.

This sentence means 'I read a book.' It uses the correct structure.

• Verbs
• Nouns
• Adjectives

Answer: Nouns

Nouns are words that name people, places, or things.

• Ndzi suka.
• mama funa ku hamba.
• Ndzi bala.

Answer: mama funa ku hamba.

This sentence should start with a capital letter: 'Mama funa ku hamba.'

Answer: To correct mistakes and improve clarity.

Editing helps ensure that our writing is clear and free of errors.