isiZulu First Additional Language - Term 3 - Week 2

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. It begins with a capital letter and ends with a punctuation mark, such as a period (.), question mark (?), or exclamation mark (!). Punctuation helps readers understand the meaning of sentences. For example, 'UThandiwe uyaphuma.' (Thandiwe is going out.) is a complete sentence. Without punctuation, sentences can be confusing.

Let's look at some examples: 'Ngiyahamba.' (I am going.) is a simple sentence. Notice the capital 'N' at the beginning and the period at the end. Now, consider the question: 'Uphi uThandiwe?' (Where is Thandiwe?) This sentence ends with a question mark, indicating that it is asking something. Lastly, an exclamatory sentence like 'Kuhle kakhulu!' (Very good!) ends with an exclamation mark to show excitement.

Now, let's practice together. I will say a sentence, and you will help me punctuate it correctly. For example, if I say 'uMnu. Mthembu ufunani', you should respond with 'uMnu. Mthembu ufunani?' (What does Mr. Mthembu want?). After we punctuate it, we will read it aloud together. This will help us understand how punctuation changes the meaning of sentences.

For your independent practice, write five sentences about your favorite animal. Make sure to use correct punctuation at the end of each sentence. For example, if you write 'Ibhubesi liyadla' (The lion eats), remember to add a period at the end. Once you finish, share your sentences with a partner and check each other's punctuation.

• To make sentences longer
• To help clarify meaning
• To confuse the reader
• To add more words

Answer: To help clarify meaning

Punctuation helps readers understand the structure and meaning of sentences.

• uThandiwe uyaphuma
• UThandiwe uyaphuma.
• uthandiwe uyaphuma!
• Uthandiwe uyaphuma?

Answer: UThandiwe uyaphuma.

This sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a period, making it correct.

Answer: Question mark

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

• Ngiyahamba.
• Uphi uThandiwe?
• Kuhle kakhulu!
• UThandiwe uyaphuma.

Answer: Kuhle kakhulu!

Exclamatory sentences express strong feelings and end with an exclamation mark.

Answer: Example: 'Ngithanda ukudla isinkwa.'

This sentence expresses a complete thought and ends with a period.

• Phrase
• Sentence
• Paragraph
• Word

Answer: Sentence

A sentence is a complete thought that can stand alone.

Answer: Capital letter

Every sentence should begin with a capital letter.

• Period
• Comma