We use words like and and but to join sentences together. These words are called conjunctions.

Using "and"

We use "and" to add more information or to show that things happen together.

Example:

• The children walked to the bus stand. They were excited.
• The children walked to the bus stand and they were excited.

Using "but"

We use "but" to show a contrast or something different.

Example:

• The bus was big. It was yellow.
• The bus was big but it was yellow.

A comma (,) is used to separate items in a list. It makes our writing easier to read.

Example:

• I have a pencil, an eraser, and a ruler in my bag.
• We saw lions, elephants, and zebras at the zoo.

Remember

We use commas between items but NOT before the last item when we use "and."

Every sentence must end with the correct punctuation mark.

• Full stop (.) – used at the end of a statement or command.
• Question mark (?) – used at the end of a question.

Examples:

• My mother is a teacher. (statement)
• What is your name? (question)
• Do you like playing football? (question)

Follow these steps to write a good paragraph:

1. Start with a topic sentence – tell the reader what the paragraph is about.
2. Add more sentences – use "and" to add information.
3. Use "but" when you want to show something different.
4. Use commas when listing things.
5. End with a full stop or question mark – depending on whether it is a statement or a question.

Worked Example

Topic: A day at school

Write a paragraph starting with: "Every morning, I wake up early and prepare for school."

Guided paragraph:

Every morning, I wake up early and prepare for school. I wash my face, brush my teeth, and put on my school uniform. My mother packs my lunch but my father checks my bag. I walk to the bus stop and wait for the school bus. At school, I learn Mathematics, Kiswahili, and English. I enjoy my day at school!

Notice how:

• "and" adds more information
• "but" shows something different
• commas separate items in lists
• full stops end each statement

Add the correct punctuation marks and conjunctions:

1. I like mangoes oranges ___ and bananas.
2. The weather is hot ___ the rain is coming.
3. What time ___ the school bus arrive?
4. My friends play football ___ swim in the river.
5. Do you ___ your teacher?

When you write a paragraph in everyday life in Tanzania, you use these skills. For example, when you write a short message to your mwalimu to explain why you were absent from school, you need to connect your sentences with "and" or "but," use commas to list reasons, and end with a full stop or question mark. This helps your message be clear and easy to understand.