English First Additional Language - Term 1 - Week 9

Grammar is the set of rules that govern how we use language. It includes the structure of words, phrases, and sentences. Punctuation, on the other hand, helps clarify meaning in our writing. For example, commas can indicate a pause, while periods signal the end of a sentence. In this lesson, we will explore common grammatical errors and practice using punctuation correctly to enhance our writing.

Let's look at the following sentence: 'She go to the store yesterday.' This sentence contains a grammatical error. The correct form should be 'She went to the store yesterday.' Notice how 'go' changes to 'went' to reflect the past tense. Additionally, we can add a comma for clarity: 'She went to the store, and she bought some milk.'

In groups of four, you will receive a short paragraph with several grammatical and punctuation errors. Work together to identify and correct these mistakes. After 10 minutes, each group will present their corrected paragraph to the class, explaining the changes they made and why they were necessary.

Now it's your turn to practice independently. Write five sentences about your favorite hobby. Ensure that each sentence uses correct punctuation and is free of grammatical errors. After writing, exchange your sentences with a partner for peer review. Provide feedback on each other's work, focusing on grammar and punctuation.

• He go to school every day.
• He goes to school every day.
• He going to school every day.
• He gone to school every day.

Answer: He goes to school every day.

The correct form is 'goes' because it agrees with the singular subject 'He'.

• Comma
• Question mark
• Exclamation mark
• Period

Answer: Period

A period is used to indicate the end of a declarative sentence.

Answer: She doesn't like apples.

The contraction 'doesn't' is the correct form to indicate negation.

• I like apples oranges and bananas.
• I like apples, oranges, and bananas.
• I like apples oranges, and bananas.
• I like, apples oranges and bananas.

Answer: I like apples, oranges, and bananas.

The comma is correctly placed before 'and' in a list.

Answer: Ran

The past tense of 'run' is 'ran'.

• The dog barked loudly.
• Running through the park.
• She enjoys reading books.
• He finished his homework.

Answer: Running through the park.

This is a fragment because it does not express a complete thought.

• The cat is sleeping; it is tired.
• The cat is sleeping it is tired.
• The cat is sleeping: it is tired.
• The cat is sleeping, it is tired.

Answer: The cat is sleeping; it is tired.