Sepedi Home Language - Term 4 - Week 3

Grammar is the set of rules that helps us use 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, placing them in the correct order, and adding punctuation marks like full stops, commas, and question marks. Today, we will explore how to identify mistakes in sentences and how to correct them.

Let’s look at the following sentence: 'Ke rata go bala, le go ngwaga.' This sentence has a small mistake. The correct version is: 'Ke rata go bala le go ngwaga.' Notice that we removed the comma before 'le' because it is not needed. We will practice similar corrections together.

In groups of four, you will receive a short text with several grammatical errors. Your task is to read the text aloud and discuss the mistakes you find. Each group will then rewrite the text correctly. Pay attention to punctuation and spacing. After 15 minutes, each group will present their corrected text to the class.

Now, it's your turn to write! Write five sentences about your favorite animal. Make sure to use correct punctuation and spacing. After writing, exchange your sentences with a partner and check each other’s work for any grammatical errors. Discuss any mistakes and how to correct them.

• To make sentences longer
• To clarify meaning
• To confuse the reader
• To add colors

Answer: To clarify meaning

Punctuation helps to clarify the meaning of sentences by indicating pauses and the end of thoughts.

Answer: Ngwaga e monate.

This sentence means 'The year is nice.' It uses the word 'ngwaga' correctly in context.

• Ke rata go ja, le go nwa.
• Ke rata go ja le go nwa.
• Ke rata go ja, le go nwa.
• Ke rata go ja le, go nwa.

Answer: Ke rata go ja le go nwa.

The correct sentence does not need a comma before 'le' because it connects two actions.

Answer: Full stops.

Full stops are punctuation marks that indicate the end of a sentence.

• Ke a etela, ngwanaka.
• O a go rata
• Re a ithuta.
• Ke a bona.

Answer: O a go rata

The sentence 'O a go rata' is missing a full stop at the end.

Answer: Ke a rata go dula mo nageng.

The comma before 'mo' is unnecessary and should be removed.

• O a ja le go nwa.
• O a ja, le go, nwa.
• O a ja le, go nwa.
• O a ja, le go nwa.

Answer: O a ja le go nwa.

The correct sentence does not require a comma before 'le' as it connects two actions.