ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE GRADE 12
LESSON 1
LEARNER NOTES
MEANING IN CONTEXT: PLURALS, USE OF THE APOSTROPHE, HYPHEN AND DASH
SECTION A: TYPICAL EXAM QUESTIONS
Question 1: PLURALS (10 minutes)
(Taken from: Various exercises)
Complete the following table. It can be done on this page or rewritten by only giving the
number and answer.
[Remember to study Section C – Additional notes and rules before attempting the
exercises]
HINT: An apostrophe is NEVER used to form the plural form of a noun.
Example: He borrowed the book’s and video’s from his friend’s. WRONG!
He borrowed the books and videos from his friends.
WORD
1.1 country
1.2 family
1.3 beauty
1.4 bully
1.5 caddy
1.6 woman
1.7 canary
1.8 canopy
1.9 celebrity
1.10 ceremony
1.11baby
PLURAL FORM
countries
Question 2: The use of the apostrophe
WORD
1.12 lady
1.13 man
1.14 my life
1.15 my wife
1.16 a leaf
1.17 a roof
1.18 life
1.19 myself
1.20 yourself
1.21 my belief
PLURAL FORM
Total = [20]
(10 minutes)
Correct the following apostrophe problems by rewriting the sentences correctly.
2.1 At intersection’s many motorist’s are annoyed at having their car’s windscreens’
washed.
2.2 The leopard ate it’s prey to the childrens’ horror.
2.3 The mens’ salary’s are disgusting; theirs’ are the lowest in the industry.
2.4 Meal’s at the womens’ hostel are well cooked.
2.5 This T-shirt is hers’.
2.6 My books’ must go back to my sister because it is her’s.
2.7 The bed’s sheets are all dirty.
Total = [15]
(4)
(2)
(3)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(1)
HINTS:
Apostrophes are ONLY used in TWO cases!
Omission (Leaving out a letter): He will not do his work – He won’t do his work
(When we leave out a letter to shorten a word, it is called “Contraction”:
“Shortened” word because of letter(s) left out, e.g. cannot – can’t)
Possession (Belonging to someone or something): Pete’s book; The mother’s
child.
Page 1 of 8
ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE GRADE 12
Question 3: More apostrophe exercises
LESSON 1
LEARNER NOTES
(10 minutes) (Taken from: Various exercises)
Rewrite these phrases correctly by inserting the apostrophe.
Example: The stockings of the girl = the girl’s stockings
3.1. The article written by the director.
3.2 The cars belonging to the Smith family.
3.3 A mine owned by De Beer.
3.4 The secretary who works for the boss.
3.5 The secretary who works for three bosses.
3.6 The friendliness of the neighbours.
3.7 The ball gowns worn by the students.
3.8 The tail on the dog.
3.9 The wool on the sheep.
3.10 The book belonging to Mary.
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1) [10]
3.11 Rewrite the following passage in the text box by filling in the apostrophes.
[6]
Im so disappointed that Ivans exam results were so poor. Hell never get into college
because at least three Cs are required. Now hell have to take all his friends lecture
notes
SECTION B: ADDITIONAL CONTENT NOTES
The topics to be discussed in this session might seem to be a strange combination, but it
actually makes sense to combine these into one session. The reason? Learners don’t know
how and where to use the apostrophe (’) and OFTEN use it to indicate the plural form of a
noun. The formation and spelling of contractions are also linked to the apostrophe, because
the omitted letter is indicated by the use of the apostrophe (Example: Do not – don’t).
Plurals
Plurals of nouns
ending in –y
Plurals of nouns
ending in -o
If a word ends in –y
and is preceded by
a vowel, just add “s”
to from the plural:
donkey – donkeys;
toy – toys; way – ways
Shorter, simpler nouns
that end in –o, usually
gets and –es added to form
the plural: potato – potatoes
hero – heroes; tomatotomatoes
If a word ends in a –y,
but is preceded by a
consonant, drop the “y”
and add –ies to form
plural: story – stories;
The longer, more
“strange” sounding words
ending in –o, usually just
gets an “s” added:
manifesto – manifestos
Page 2 of 8
ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE GRADE 12
LESSON 1
LEARNER NOTES
ally - allies
Exceptions to the –o rule:
 Photos – photos
 Piano – pianos
Plurals of nouns ending in –f and -fe
 Most nouns ending in –f or –fe take “s” for the plural: chief-chiefs; dwarf-dwarfs
The following 13 words are the exceptions to this rule (Please study!)
Singular
calf
elf
half
knife
leaf
life
loaf
Plural
calves
elves
halves
knives
leaves
lives
Singular
self
sheaf
shelf
thief
wife
wolf
loaves
Plural
selves
sheaves
shelves
thieves
wives
wolves
The Apostrophe

The apostrophe is NOT used to form the plural of a noun.
Page 3 of 8
ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE GRADE 12
LESSON 1
LEARNER NOTES
SECTION C: SOLUTIONS AND HINTS TO SECTION A: TOPIC 1
QUESTION 1: PLURALS
WORD
1.1 country
1.2 family
1.3 beauty
PLURAL FORM
countries
Families [y – ies]
beauties
WORD
1.12 lady
1.13 man
1.14 my life
1.4 bully
1.5 caddy
1.6 woman
bullies
caddies
women [new word]
1.15 my wife
1.16 a leaf
1.17 a roof
1.7 canary
1.8 canopy
1.9 celebrity
1.10 ceremony
canaries
canopies
celebrities
ceremonies
1.18 life
1.19 myself
1.20 yourself
1.21 my belief
1.11baby
babies
PLURAL FORM
Ladies [y – ies]
Men [new word]
our lives [pronoun
and noun in plural]
our wives [f – ves]
many leaves
many roofs [f – fs,
exception to rule]
lives
ourselves
yourselves
our beliefs [f – fs:
exception to rule]
Total = [20]
QUESTION 2: APOSTROPHES
2.1 At intersections √ many motorists √ are annoyed at having their cars‟√
windscreens √ washed.
2.2 The leopard ate its√ prey to the children’s√ horror.
2.3 The men’s √ salaries √ are disgusting; theirs √ are the lowest in the industry.
2.4 Meals √ at the women’s√ hostel are well cooked.
2.5 This T-shirt is hers.√
2.6 My books√ must go back to my sister because it is hers.√
2.7 The beds’√ sheets are all dirty.
Total = [15]
(4)
(2)
(3)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(1)
QUESTION 3: APOSTROPHES
[All these apostrophes are used to indicate possession – belonging to someone or
something]
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
The editor’s article √
The Smith family’ cars√
De Beer’ mine √
The boss’s secretary √
The three bosses’ secretary √
The neighbour’s friendliness √
The students’ ball gowns √
The dog’s tail √
The sheep’s wool √
Mary’s book √
(10)
3.11 √I’m so disappointed that √Ivan’s exam results were so poor. √He’ll never get into
college because at least three Cs are required. Now √ he’ll have to take all
his√ friends’ lecture notes and ask all his teachers for help. What a pity! √That’ll
teach him a lesson.
(6) [16]
Page 4 of 8
ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE GRADE 12
LESSON 1
LEARNER NOTES
HINTS:
I’m = omission of a letter – I am
Ivan’s = possession – exam results belonging to Ivan
He’ll = omission of a letter – He will
Friends’ = possession – notes belonging to his friends
That’ll = omission of letter – That will
ǃ Learner Note: Before attempting these questions, please study the notes in Section C and
ask your class teacher if there is something you don’t understand. You have to know the
rules of punctuation if you want to improve your writing and comprehension skills.
Question 1: 20 minutes
(Taken from: X-Kit, Eng HL Gr 10, Pearson/Maskew Miller Longman)
1.1 Punctuate the following note using all the correct punctuation marks. (NO commas
after the greeting and the closure)
(15)
dear john
never do that again did you think that if you took my chocolate out of the fridge you
would not be found out yes I know you have a sweet tooth but that is no excuse for
stealing my bar one especially as i was saving it to eat in bed tonight
yours hungrily
angela
1.2 See how many ways the following sentence can be written with different punctuation
marks, to indicate how many things James and Luke took on their picnic. (14)
James and Luke took a mango juice ham sandwiches and fruit salad a bottle of
sunblock and their costumes.
1.3 Explain the functions of the commas in the following sentences.
(8)
1.3.1 My brother, the dentist, bought a new sports car.
1.3.2 He will, of course, drive very slowly, obey all the traffic rules, watch out for
pedestrians and keep his cellphone off.
1.3.3 However, when my mother isn’t in the car, he will drive at top speed.
1.3.4 Putting his foot on the accelerator, he heard the engine roar.
1.4 Rewrite these sentences by inserting the correct punctuation marks.
1.4.1 Simphiwe asked Can I go to the movies tomorrow
1.4.2 Marius shouted at Tom, “Don’t you come near me
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(3)
(2) (½ x 4)
(1) (½ x 2)
Total = [40]
Page 5 of 8
ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE GRADE 12
LESSON 1
LEARNER NOTES
SECTION D: ADDITIONAL CONTENT NOTES
Punctuation is the use of symbols in written text in order to help communicate meaning
correctly and to make understanding easier. In general learners do not know where and how
to use the correct punctuation marks. This causes them to lose marks when writing –
whether in Papers 1, 2 or 3. The revision of the rules of punctuation is therefore of the
utmost importance.
Study the following table
(Taken from: X-Kit, Eng HL. Gr 10, Maskew Miller Longman/Pearson)
Punctuation marks and their functions
Punctuation mark
Function
Capital letters
 To begin sentences
 For proper nouns
 For titles
 For the pronoun
Example




The farmer keeps pigs
Durban, Pumla, Norway
The road to Mecca
I
Full stop (.)
 Marks the end of a
sentence
 Indicates abbreviations
when the abbreviation
doesn’t end with the last
letter of the full word
 Thabo plays soccer.
 Separate items on a list
(and replace the comma)
 Indicates a slight pause or
interruption
 After yes, no, however,
therefore
 Introduces direct speech
To indicate parenthesis in a
sentence
 We took food, drinks, a
blanket and lighting.
 When he plays, he always
wins.
 Yes, I know he is bright,
however, he isn’t a nerd
 Lola said, “I love my ball”.
 adv. Prof. Feb. a.m. but Dr
Mr Snr Sgt, Miss
Comma (,)
 Marks off the person
addressed
 Never, if you can
remember, leave your
phone unattended
 Mimi, please come here.
Question mark (?)
 Indicates question
 Expressed doubt
 Have you made your bed?
 Really?
Page 6 of 8
ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE GRADE 12
LESSON 1
LEARNER NOTES
Exclamation mark (!)
 Shows anger, frustration,
determination or any other
strong emotion
 Indicates a strong tone
Hyphen (-)
 I definitely am going!
That’s the third time I’ve
asked you! You must
never do that again!
 Stop making that noise!
 Separates incomplete

words at the end of a line 
 Clarifies punctuation and
meaning
 Forms compound nouns

and adjectives
 Indicates hesitation or

stuttering
In-capable
Co-operate, pre-empt, they
had to re-count the votes.
(As opposed to recount –
meaning to tell)
A world of make-believe; a
run-down building
P-p- lease, Sir, m-m-ay I
have some m-m more?
(Oliver Twist)
Brackets (parenthesis) ()
 Indicates additional
information in the same
way as commas and
dashes
 I knocked hard (my
knuckles are still red) but
they wouldn’t answer
 Indicates that words have
been omitted
 Shows a trailing off in
thought
 Don’t count your …. they
hatch
 “I can’t remember …” said
the old man.
 Replaces a conjunction
(and, or, but, also) to join
clauses
 Used to balance two
opposing or similar
 She was delighted by the
film; she hated the leading
actress
 Introduces dialogue or
direct speech
 Introduce a list
 Hamlet: To be or not to be
Ellipsis (…)
Semi-colon (;)
 She spent her money
carefully; she saved her
pride
Colon (:)
 Introduces a title, reference
or explanation
 The folder contained: a
memo, pen, and lunch
 Beatrix Potter: Peter
Rabbit
Page 7 of 8
ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE GRADE 12
LESSON 1
LEARNER NOTES
Dash (-)
 Shows an interruption or
an abrupt ending
 Indicates parenthesis,
making it stand out more
than the use of commas
 Makes the words which
follow it more dramatic;
introduces a climax or anti
anti-climax
 Indicates hesitant speech 
 - yes, but Elvis Presley – beloved
by many fans – had only
one child
 When Uncle Joe died I
inherited - his debts
I’m – unable- to- be the
judge of- that - situation
SECTION E: SOLUTIONS AND HINTS
1.1 Dear √ John √
Never √ do that again!√ Did √ you think that if you took my chocolate out of the fridge,√
you would not be found out?√ Yes,√√ I know you have a sweet tooth,√ but that is no
excuse for stealing my Bar One,√ especially as I √ was saving it to eat in bed tonight. √
Yours√ hungrily
Angela
(15)
1.2 a mango√, juice√, ham√, sandwiches√, fruit√, salad√, a bottle...
a mango juice√, ham√, sandwiches√, fruit salad√, a bottle .....
a mango√, juice√, ham sandwiches√, fruit√, salad, a bottle .....
(14)
1.3
1.3.1
1.3.2
1.3.3
1.3.4
Separates additional information √– the dentist √
Separates a phrase – of course√; separates a list √
Separates a sentence adverb – however√; Separates a clause √
Used after a phrase √ – putting his foot on the accelerator √
(8)
1.4
1.4.1 Simphiwe asked,√ “√ Can I go to the movies tomorrow?√”√
1.4.2 Marius shouted at Tom, “Don’t you come near me! ½ ” ½
(4x½)
(2x½) (3)
Total = [40]
Page 8 of 8