Commas to clarify meaning: Namaqua chameleon
Learning Objective
We are learning how to use commas to clarify meaning and avoid ambiguity.
Context: Namaqua chameleon
Credit: BBC One - Life. This clip may not work on some devices; please see our Help page.
Clip Description
Found in the desert regions of southern Africa, the Namaqua chameleon is one of the largest chameleon species. Unlike most of its tree-dwelling cousins, this particular reptile spends most of its life on the ground. However, like all other chameleons, the Namaqua has the ability to change colour and has a huge appetite for insects.
In this fascinating clip, a lone female Namaqua chameleon can be seen travelling across the Namib desert in search of a mate. How do you think she will use her colour-changing super power to stay cool in the desert furnace? Watch the clip to find out.
Word Challenge
The ‘shus’ sound is often found at the end of adjectives and can be spelt in two different ways: ‘cious’ or ‘tious.’ Make a list of words that end in this sound and relate in some way to the chameleon clip. Once you have done this, explain each word’s connection to your talk partner.
e.g. tenacious (the female’s determination to find a mate), ferocious (the male’s behaviour towards the female), …