isiZulu First Additional Language - Term 4 - Week 3

Punctuation marks are essential in writing as they help convey meaning and structure to sentences. In isiZulu, we use marks like the full stop (.), comma (,), question mark (?), and exclamation mark (!). Each mark has a specific role: for example, a full stop indicates the end of a statement, while a question mark shows that a sentence is asking something. Today, we will explore how to use these marks correctly in our writing.

Let’s look at the following sentence: 'UJohn uhamba esikoleni' (John goes to school). This sentence is missing a full stop at the end. The correct version is 'UJohn uhamba esikoleni.' Now, let’s add a question: 'UJohn uhamba esikoleni?' (Is John going to school?). Notice how the question mark changes the meaning of the sentence. We will practice identifying and correcting similar sentences together.

In groups, you will receive a set of sentences that are missing punctuation. Your task is to read each sentence aloud, discuss as a group what punctuation is needed, and then write the corrected version on the board. For example, if you have 'Uthanda ukudlala' (He loves to play), you should add a full stop at the end. This activity will help you practice speaking and writing while reinforcing your understanding of punctuation.

Now it’s your turn to practice independently. Write five sentences about your favorite activity. Make sure to include at least one question and one exclamation. After writing, exchange your work with a partner and check each other’s sentences for correct punctuation and spacing. Remember to provide constructive feedback to help each other improve!

• Comma (,)
• Full Stop (.)
• Question Mark (?)
• Exclamation Mark (!)

Answer: Full Stop (.)

A full stop indicates the end of a statement.

• UJohn uhamba esikoleni
• UJohn uhamba esikoleni.
• UJohn uhamba esikoleni!

Answer: UJohn uhamba esikoleni.

The correct sentence should end with a full stop.

Answer: Question Mark (?)

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

• UJohn uhamba esikoleni?
• UJohn uhamba esikoleni!
• UJohn uhamba esikoleni.

Answer: UJohn uhamba esikoleni!

An exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotion and ends with an exclamation mark.

Answer: Uthanda ukudlala, kodwa uthanda ukufunda futhi.

This sentence uses a comma to separate two clauses.

• To end a sentence
• To separate items
• To ask a question
• To show excitement

Answer: To separate items

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

Answer: Uthanda ukudlala, uJohn.

A comma is needed to separate the clauses.

• Full Stop (.)
• Comma (,)
• Exclamation Mark (!)
• Question Mark (?)

Answer: Exclamation Mark (!)