English First Additional Language in Grade 4 introduces learners to English as a practical communication tool. The CAPS curriculum focuses on building functional literacy in English — reading simple texts with understanding, writing short sentences and paragraphs, and using basic grammatical structures correctly. Learners develop core vocabulary, simple grammar and reading skills through texts that connect to their everyday world. By the end of Grade 4, learners should be able to write a short paragraph, answer basic comprehension questions and hold a simple conversation in English.
- Basic vocabulary — greetings, family, classroom objects, colours
- Simple narrative texts — read and answer literal questions
- Common nouns — people, animals, things
- Present tense of common verbs
- Write short sentences about yourself and your family
- Oral: listen and repeat, basic greetings and conversations
- Read descriptive texts and identify key information
- Adjectives — colour, size, shape
- Singular and plural of simple nouns
- Punctuation: full stop, question mark, exclamation mark
- Write a short description of a picture or place
- Oral: describe a picture using simple sentences
- Read informational texts — notices, simple instructions
- Simple past tense of regular verbs
- Synonyms — expand vocabulary
- Prepared reading with focus on pronunciation and fluency
- Write a short report about an activity or event
- Oral: tell about a past experience using past tense
- Simple persuasive and poetic texts — identify main idea
- Rhyme and rhythm in simple poems
- Revision of nouns, verbs and adjectives
- Revision of present and past tense
- Write a short simple poem or rhyme
- Oral: recite a memorised poem or rhyme
Build vocabulary every day. Learn 5 new English words every day. Write them down with a meaning in your home language and use each one in a sentence. Within a month you will have 150 new words.
Read the question before the passage. In comprehension tests, knowing what you are looking for makes it much easier to find the answer. Underline key words in each question first.
For comprehension — find the answer in the text. Most answers to literal questions are directly in the given text. Learn to scan the text for keywords from the question.
Do not be afraid to make mistakes. The best way to learn English is to use it — even if it is not perfect. Every mistake is a chance to improve.