Year 5

English Practice Questions

Introduction for teachers and parents

In this book there are single-page exercises covering most of the English grammar, punctuation and
spelling work that children will meet in year 5.

On each page there is a short introduction with examples and key points followed by a set of
questions for children to answer.

Some quite challenging questions have been included for the more able children. These are flagged
using symbols such as “ouch!”, “here we go” and “oh no!”

At the end of each page, children are invited to answer a self-assessment question.

Using this book

The exercises in this book are not intended to be used in the initial teaching of new topics.

However, they can be used as:

• Homework activities - to consolidate work done in class.

• End of topic class activities - to give children the opportunity to check their understanding of
a particular topic.

• Assessment tasks - allowing teachers to establish whether or not children are secure in their
understanding of a topic.

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1
 Contents

Grammar
Nouns 4
Adjectives 5
Verbs 6
The present perfect and past perfect tenses 7
The present progressive and past progressive tenses 8
Using verbs to talk about the future 9
Modal verbs 10
Adverbs 11
Pronouns 12
Relative pronouns 13
Determiners 14
Coordinating conjunctions 15
Subordinating conjunctions 16
Prepositions 17
Adverbials 18
Synonyms and antonyms 19
Clauses 20
Phrases 21
Sentence structure 22
Sentence types 23
Ellipsis 24
Active voice and passive voice 25
Linking sentences and paragraphs 26
Non-standard English 27
Subjunctives 28

2
Punctuation
Revision of basic punctuation 29 - 30
Parenthesis 31
Using commas 32
Semicolons 33
Colons 34
Hyphens 35
Dashes 36
Bullet points and numbered lists 37

Spelling
Prefixes 38
Suffixes 39
Words ending -cious and -tious 40
Words ending -cial and -tial 41
Words ending in -ant -ance -ancy or -ent -ence -ency 42
Words ending in -able -ably -ible and -ibly 43
i before e except after c 44
Tricky spellings 45
Homophones and near-homophones 46

Notes 47 - 48

Are you
ready for
this?
3
 Grammar

A Nouns
You will remember that common nouns like car, rabbit and book don’t begin with a
capital letter. However, proper nouns like Sally and France (names of particular people
or places) do begin with a capital letter.

1 Circle the nouns in this passage:

The old book was tattered and torn. Joe had found it on the seat of a train.

2 Write a sentence containing one common noun and one proper noun.

London is the largest city in the UK.

3 Tamsin said these words are all proper nouns. Put a ✓ in the boxes to show
which ones are proper nouns.

✓ Wednesday Winter ✓ October House

✓ Charlie ✓ London Hedgehog Autumn

4 Concrete nouns are things you can see, touch, smell, taste or hear, such as fish, book, tornado
and music. Abstract nouns are the opposite – you cannot detect them using your senses. They
include emotions, ideas and beliefs. Some examples are love, hate, freedom and happiness.

Challenge: Write two or three sentences and include at least two of your own concrete
nouns (underline them) and two abstract nouns (circle them).

I have a pet cat and two rabbits. When people make jokes about my rabbits
it hurts my feelings. I wish they would show more kindness.

OK!
5 Using the letters in the word elephant, how many nouns with four letters
or more can you make? More than eight is excellent!

plan, plant, heap, heel, heat, lane, path, tape, pane, plate, pleat, planet, petal,
plane
I know what common, proper, concrete and abstract nouns are. I’m confident I’m nearly there

4
B Adjectives
Adjectives describe nouns. They tell us more about the nouns. Example: The heavy box.

1 Look at the sentence below. Can you add two adjectives to tell us more about the coat?

Lucy walked into the room carrying a long purple coat.

2 Try adding your own adjectives to this sentence.

Charlie took his favourite pen and wrote in large letters,

‘TAKEN THE DOG FOR A LONG WALK’.

3 Think of some interesting adjectives with at least six letters to describe these nouns.

delicious cake fantastic holiday disgusting smell

enormous house miserable weather horrible taste

4 Can you finish this short story in three sentences with at least one great adjective in each sentence?

The furious wizard picked up his wand and pointed it at the frightened children. “I'll
turn you into slimy snails if you're not careful!” he exclaimed.
“There's no need to be so grumpy,” replied the eldest girl.

5 Challenge – We can use a group of adjectives to describe a noun. Example: The rusty old racing
car. There is usually a best order for the adjectives. The racing rusty old car would be a bit odd.
Write these sentences again and put the adjectives in a sensible order.
Wow!
The brown old wooden chair was Charlie’s favourite.

The old brown wooden chair was Charlie's favourite.

The new wonderful woolly blue jumper was ruined!

The wonderful new blue woolly jumper was ruined!

I know what adjectives are and how to use them. I’m confident I’m nearly there

5
C Verbs
Verbs are words that tell us what someone or something is doing. The form (spelling)
depends on how the verb is used.
Examples: eat, eats, eating, eaten, ate
Verbs also have different tenses. The tense of a verb tells us when something happened.
Examples: They watch television. (Present tense) They watched television. (Simple past tense)

1 Use eat, eats, eating, ate or eaten to complete this piece of writing.

We usually eat lunch at noon, but yesterday I ate mine at 11.30 am.

Eating healthily is important, and Jake is careful about what he eats .

2 Can you find the different ways of spelling these verbs?

Run running ran runs

Speak spoke speaks speaking spoken
Begin begins began beginning begun

3 Can you re-write this piece of writing in the simple past tense?
I am having a great time at the party. We are playing lots of games and eating
a massive cake!

I had a great time at the party. We played lots of games and ate a massive
cake!

Oh
no!
4 Try to write your own sentences containing these forms of the verb to lay.

(lays) He lays his book on the table every morning.

(laying) I am laying my clothes on the bed.
(laid) I have laid the cards on the table.

I understand that verbs have different forms and tenses. I’m confident I’m nearly there

6
D The present perfect and past perfect tenses
When we use have or has with a verb, it is called the present perfect tense.
Example: He has walked home.
When we use had with a verb, it is called the past perfect tense.
Example: She had gone when he arrived.

1 Write these sentences again using the present perfect tense.

simple past present perfect tense

Jake ate his sandwiches. Jake has eaten his sandwiches.

She switched off the radio. She has switched off the radio.
They went home. They have gone home.
Circle the best word/words to complete this sentence: The present perfect tense of a
verb tells us that something happened ages ago / yesterday / last week / recently.

2 Write these sentences again using the past perfect tense of the verbs underlined.

By 9 o’clock, she ate her breakfast.

By 9 o'clock she had eaten her breakfast.

I took the dog for a walk by the time Dad got home.

I had taken the dog for a walk by the time Dad got home.
Circle the best word/words to complete this sentence: The past perfect tense of a verb tells
us that something happened now / recently / at 5 o’clock / at a particular time in the past.

3 Complete the table about Fergus the frog. Use the best form of the verb jump in each case.

when Fergus jumped best sentence

Now Fergus jumps into the pond

Here
we go!
Any time in the past Fergus jumped into the pond

A few seconds ago Fergus has jumped into the pond

By 8pm last Monday Fergus had jumped into the pond

Depending on when something happened, I can

I’m confident I’m nearly there
choose the best tense and form of a verb to use.

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E The present progressive and past progressive tenses
To show that something is still happening, we use am, is or are together with the -ing
spelling of a verb. This is the present progressive tense.
Example: They are walking home.
To show that something was still happening at a time in the past, we use was and were
with the -ing spelling of a verb. This is the past progressive tense.
Example: The elephants were enjoying the mud.

1 Write these sentences again using the present progressive tense of the verbs underlined.

present tense present progressive tense

Zoe runs home. Zoe is running home.

We eat chips. We are eating chips.
I go to school. I am going to school.

2 Write these sentences again using the past progressive tense of the verbs underlined.

past tense past progressive tense

Bill walked away. Bill was walking away.

People sailed yachts. People were sailing yachts.
We went abroad. We were going abroad.

Phew!
3 Challenge – Finish this short story in your own words. Try to include at least one
verb in the present progressive tense and one verb in the past progressive tense.

It is a perfect day for a walk on the beach. We are enjoying the holiday very much.
At this time last year, we were recovering from the flu.

I can use the present progressive and

I’m confident I’m nearly there
the past progressive tenses of verbs.

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F Using verbs to talk about the future
You will remember that in the English language there is no future tense. However, there
are several ways to use verbs to talk about the future.
Examples: They arrive tomorrow. You are going to eat your lunch.
We will leave next Monday. I will be staying at home tonight.
In these examples, the main verb is always in the present tense.

1 Can you complete these sentences using the verb ‘to land’?

The plane lands in ten minutes.

The plane will be landing soon.

The plane will land when the runway is clear.

2 Read this short paragraph.

I went on holiday with my family in July. We visited Scotland. We camped
for part of the time and stayed in a guest house for three days. One day,
we drove to see Ben Nevis which is Scotland’s highest mountain.
Now, re-write the paragraph imagining that the holiday hasn’t happened yet. The holiday
is in the future!

I am going on holiday with my family in July. We will be visiting Scotland.

We will camp for part of the time and stay in a guest house for three days.
One day, we will drive to see Ben Nevis which is Scotland's highest
mountain.

Ouch!
3 These sentences about the future contain some mistakes. Can you write them
again without the mistakes?
Next week, I played hockey for my school team. The match looked like it will be a tough one.
The other team came from 40 miles away. It took them an hour to get here.

Next week, I will be playing hockey for my school team. The match looks
like it will be a tough one. The other team is coming from 40 miles away.
Usually, they are hard to beat.

I can use verbs to talk about the future. I’m confident I’m nearly there

9
G Modal verbs
Modal verbs are different to ordinary verbs. There is only one way to spell them, and
they change the meaning of other verbs. They tell us how certain or possible something is.
Example: I could go to London. I will go to London.
It might rain tonight. It won’t rain tonight.

1 Underline the modal verbs in these sentences.

You should try this. I can shout loudly.
We must go home. They wouldn’t listen to me.

2 Complete these sentences to show how you would reply to a party invitation.
Use different modal verbs.

If you are definitely going. I will be coming to your party.

If you’re not sure. I might be coming to your party.

If you’re probably not going. I might not be coming to your party.

If you’re not going. I won't be coming to your party.

3 Write some great sentences containing the modal verbs shown.

(could) It would be great if you could help me!

(should) I should do my homework, but I want to watch TV!
(must) We must remember to take a packed lunch.

4 Tick one box in each row to show how the modal verb affects the meaning of the sentence.

modal verb modal verb

sentence shows certainty shows possibility

It will rain on Wednesday. ✓ Wow!

I might take a coat with me. ✓

You could see the match if you wanted to. ✓
You must listen to the teacher. ✓

I understand what modal verbs are and how to use them. I’m confident I’m nearly there

10
H Adverbs
Adverbs usually give us information about how, when, where or how much. They are
used with verbs, adjectives or other adverbs.
With a verb: He ran quickly.
With an adjective: It was really small.
With an adverb: We don’t see them very often.
Like modal verbs, adverbs can tell us how certain or possible something is.
Example: I nearly understand.

1 Can you underline the adverbs in this passage?

They walked to the campsite very slowly. It was completely dark, and they couldn’t see to
pitch their tents. Finally, they succeeded and they fell asleep. They were totally exhausted.

2 Add a suitable adverb to these sentences about a film. Try to use a different adverb each time.

I liked the film a lot; it was extremely good.

I thought the film was OK; it was fairly good.

I didn’t enjoy the film; I thought it was unbelievably poor.

3 Now try adding some interesting adverbs to this passage.

The rabbit suddenly ran under the hedge. It had just spotted a fox.

This time, the rabbit was extremely lucky. The long grass had made it

quite difficult for the fox to spot it.

4 Rewrite this sentence but replace the underlined adverb with one that makes it more
certain that something will happen.
I will probably give you a biscuit.

I will certainly give you a biscuit.

5 Rewrite this sentence and replace the adverb to make it less certain: Yes!
You are definitely going to pass your exam.

You are possibly going to pass your exam.

I can recognise and use adverbs. I’m confident I’m nearly there

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I Pronouns
Pronouns like she, he, him and her replace nouns in sentences to avoid repeating the
noun several times.
Example: Jayne went to the shop and Jayne bought some milk.
Jayne went to the shop and she bought some milk.
Possessive pronouns like mine, yours, hers and his show who or what something belongs to.
Example: The book is mine.

1 Add the correct pronouns to this passage:

Zoe forgot her ruler. “Can I borrow yours please?” she asked Emma.

“Sorry”, Emma replied, “ I have forgotten mine too”. They looked around to see

if Jack had remembered to bring his .

2 Can you write these sentences using the correct pronouns?

Paul had a pet dog. It was its favourite possession.

Paul had a pet dog. It was his favourite possession.

I came second in my race, but Tom won him and Jodie won its.

I came second in my race, but Tom won his and Jodie won hers.

Wow!
3 Challenge – Finish this short story using at least two different pronouns and
two different possessive pronouns.

When the Titanic struck the iceberg, the captain gave the order to 'abandon ship'.
“The ship is mine and I'm staying with it,” he thought to himself. He did
his job and the crew did theirs. Some people survived, but many of the
passengers lost their lives.

I know what pronouns and possessive pronouns are. I’m confident I’m nearly there

12
J Relative pronouns
The words who, which and that can be used as relative pronouns. Relative pronouns
introduce relative clauses. A relative clause is a special type of subordinate clause that
behaves like an adjective. Relative pronoun
The boy who lives next door
Relative clause

1 Underline the relative pronouns in these sentences.

The prize that I won at my judo club.
The person who told me was dishonest.
I have some new trainers which I bought on Saturday.

2 Add a suitable relative pronoun to these sentences.

The woman who gave me directions was mistaken.

Why does my dad never choose the car that I like?

The book which you gave me is great.

3 Try to write your own sentence using a relative pronoun.

I know the girl who won the race.

4 Relative pronouns can sometimes be omitted (left out). Circle a relative pronoun
that could be omitted from these sentences.
The prize that I won was great. The person who came second also received a good prize.

5 Tick the correct box to identify the pronouns that are highlighted in each sentence below.

possessive relative
sentence pronoun pronoun Give it
a go!
The house with the blue door is ours. ✓
This is the pet dog that I want. ✓
I’m annoyed with the boy who said that. ✓
These are not yours, they are mine. ✓

I can recognise and use relative pronouns. I’m confident I’m nearly there

13
K Determiners
We use determiners in front of nouns to help us explain what we are talking about.
Examples: this car, my toothbrush, some people
Remember – determiners always go before adjectives.
Examples: this red car, some happy people

1 Circle the determiners in these sentences.

The film was great. Can I wear those shoes?
Every fish in this aquarium is red. Your moaning is getting on my nerves.

2 Finish these sentences using a different determiner in each.

Yesterday, I lost my watch.

When it’s dark, you need to switch on a light.

3 Tick the correct box to identify the word underlined in each sentence below.

sentence determiner pronoun adjective

My favourite shirt is ruined. ✓
Can I take those books? ✓
It was the best pizza! ✓
Medals were given to all runners. ✓

4 Complete the sentences below using the best determiner for the job. There are
clues in brackets to tell you more about the bike in each sentence.

Jodie rode her bike. ( Jodie’s bike ) Jodie rode the bike. ( the only bike available )

Jodie rode his bike. ( her brother’s bike ) Jodie rode every bike. ( all the bikes )

Here
5 Some words that are used as determiners can also be used as pronouns.
we go!
For example: I like his shoes. (determiner) I wish I could have his. (pronoun)
Can you write a sentence using that as a pronoun?

That is a great idea!

I can recognise and use determiners. I’m confident I’m nearly there

14
L Coordinating conjunctions
The conjunctions and, but, or, nor, so and yet are called coordinating conjunctions.
We use coordinating conjunctions to connect things together.
Words to words: Jack and Jill
Phrases to phrases: The green coat or the blue jacket
Main clauses to main clauses: I wanted popcorn, but my sister wanted crisps
(The comma isn’t needed if the clauses are very short and clear.)

1 Create one sentence from these short sentences to make the writing flow better. Try to use
two different conjunctions.
I spotted it. I really liked it. I bought it.

I spotted it and I really liked it so I bought it.

2 Write a sentence containing the conjunction nor.

Neither sweets nor ice cream made him feel better.

3 Write a sentence containing the conjunction yet.

It was very dark, yet we could see where we were going.

4 Fun challenge – by changing one letter at a time we can change but to yet like this:
but bet yet
Can you start with yet and get to nor (each step must be a proper word!)?

Yet net not nor (answer at bottom of page).

OK!
5 Write a short paragraph about the UK and include 3 different coordinating conjunctions.

The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is

quite a small country, but it has a big population. The weather is not great
so lots of people go abroad on holiday.

I can recognise and use coordinating conjunctions. I’m confident I’m nearly there
nor not net Answer: Yet
15
M Subordinating conjunctions
We use subordinating conjunctions such as because and until to introduce adverbial
clauses. These clauses often tell us how, when or where something happened. Adverbial
clauses are subordinate clauses which only make sense when they are with a main clause.
Examples: They went to the café because they were hungry.
I’ll stay with you until your mum gets home.

w r e x c e p t
1 How many of these subordinating
conjunctions can you find in the wordsearch? u n l e s s s h
n s w h i l e o
after though
t o h r n q n u
before unless
i f e e c z p g
if until l j n t e r v h
except when q b e f o r e l

since while x c y a d b e z

2 Can you underline the subordinating conjunctions in these sentences?

We ate the food although we didn’t like it.
Unless I find the key, I won’t be able to open the door.
I want to sit here whether you like it or not.

3 One important job of conjunctions is to give cohesion to a piece of writing (make it flow better).
Use a subordinating conjunction to rewrite these short sentences as one longer sentence.
BUS
I missed the bus today. I didn't get up in time. STOP

I missed the bus today because I didn't get up in time.

Wow!
4 Gemma started to write a story. Her teacher told her that it needed more cohesion.
Can you rewrite her opening sentences using conjunctions to add some cohesion?
The spaceship landed on a planet. There was no-one there. Sally the astronaut
went outside. She wanted to explore.

The spaceship landed on a planet, but there was no-one there. Sally the
astronaut went outside because she wanted to explore.

Underline any subordinating conjunctions you have used.

I can recognise and use subordinating conjunctions. I’m confident I’m nearly there

16
N Prepositions
Prepositions tell us about where something is, which direction something is moving in,
when something happens or happened or how long something has been going on.
Examples: The dog is under the table. She goes to bed at nine o’clock.
He is returning from France. They played Top Trumps until midnight.

1 Underline the prepositions in these sentences.

The plane is flying above the clouds.
We are leaving from the bus station.
The train stopped alongside the platform.

2 Can you find a good preposition to complete these sentences?

The submarine slowly disappeared under water.

A goalkeeper is supposed to stand between the goal posts!

I always read for 10 minutes before breakfast.

3 Use 4 different prepositions to complete this.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. I looked through the window,

but mysteriously there was no-one behind the door or in the garden.

4 Can you write your own sentence containing two different prepositions?

The dog jumped over the table and ran into the garden.

5 Tick one box to show where the word after is being used as a preposition.

after used as Let’s give

sentence it a go!
a preposition

He moved to the lounge after he had eaten his lunch.

He moved to the lounge after lunch. ✓

He moved to the lounge after he’d turned off the TV.

I understand what prepositions are and I know how to use them. I’m confident I’m nearly there

17
O Adverbials
Adverbials are adverbs and any other group of words that are used as an adverb.
Examples: The bus left quickly. (Adverb.)
The bus leaves in ten minutes. (Adverbial phrase.)
The bus will leave when the driver is ready. (Adverbial clause.)
Adverbials can go at the start (front) of sentences. These are fronted adverbials. They
have a comma after them. Example: In ten minutes, the bus will leave.

1 Fill in the gaps below using the adverbials from this list (because it was dark, suddenly,
as often as possible).

A rabbit suddenly appeared on the road in front of them.

Because it was dark , they decided to go indoors.

They ate their favourite crisps as often as possible. .

2 Underline the adverbial in each sentence below.

Tom walked away slowly.
Jane ran away very quickly indeed.
Although you don’t like it, you should eat it.

3 Can you create your own adverbial clauses to finish these sentences?

She left the room before I had a chance to talk to her .

Although it was very late , they continued to watch the film.

Oh
no!
4 Write two sentences, starting each one with a fronted adverbial.

When you've eaten your meal, you can leave the table.
As quick as a flash, he left the room.

I understand what the term ‘adverbial’ means. I’m confident I’m nearly there

18
P Synonyms and antonyms
Synonyms are words that mean the same or almost the same as another word.
Example: I will close the door. I will shut the door.

Antonyms are pairs of words that are opposite in meaning.

Example: This is a good film. This is a bad film.

1 Circle the two words in the sentence below that are synonyms.
Jake was lucky to get a place in the team, and he knew how fortunate he was.

2 Circle the two words in the sentence below that are antonyms.
I never get my first choice but you always get yours.

3 Find antonyms for these words:

open closed above below

true false internal external

4 Write a sentence containing a synonym of the word huge.

It was an enormous volcano.

5 Can you unscramble these pairs of synonyms and antonyms?

Antonyms Synonyms

This looks
etw wet gthir right scary!

ydr dry ctreroc correct

orop poor pypha happy

crhi rich nottenc content

uqtei quiet ntorsg strong

ysino noisy uhgto tough

I understand what synonyms and antonyms are. I’m confident I’m nearly there

19
Q Clauses
A clause usually contains a subject and a verb. Example: Joanne ate the fish.
(subject)(verb)
A main clause makes sense on its own. Example: Joey was eating his hotdog.

A subordinate clause always needs to be with a main clause. Adverbial clauses and
relative clauses are types of subordinate clause.
Examples: I ate the cheese because I was hungry. (Adverbial clause joined using a conjunction.)
I ate the cheese that Charlie gave me. (Relative clause joined using a relative pronoun.)

1 Can you underline the subordinate clauses in these sentences?

I had a box of chocolates which I shared with my friends.
Although we didn’t like it, we ate all the food.

2 Complete this fact.

Adverbial clauses can go after or before main clauses in sentences.

3 Can you add your own relative clauses to finish these sentences?

I saw an acrobat who could walk on her hands.

We went to see a show that lasted for three hours!

4 Can you add a main clause to these adverbial clauses?

Because it was raining, we sheltered under a tree.

Although I felt tired, I kept on going.

5 Challenge – finish this short science fiction story using an adverbial clause and a relative clause. OK!
The mad scientist had worked out how to perform head transplants.

Without a care in the world he removed the patient's head and put it on the
table. The patient, who wanted a bigger brain, was in for a big surprise!

I understand what main and subordinate clauses are. I’m confident I’m nearly there

20
R Phrases
A phrase is a group of words connected together. A phrase doesn’t usually contain a
verb. If the group of words acts like a noun it is a noun phrase.
Example: Her best friend came to visit.
If the group of words begins with a preposition it is a preposition phrase.
Example: I walked home after the concert.

1 Underline the longest noun phrases in these sentences.

The angry barking dog tried to bite my fingers through the letterbox.
We went to the shop to buy some freshly baked bread rolls.

2 Can you add your own preposition phrase to finish these sentences?

I put the book on the top shelf.

The mouse ran under the kitchen table and we couldn’t find it.

3 Tick the correct box to identify the type of phrase underlined in each sentence below.

noun preposition
sentence phrase phrase

The fly on the wall was motionless. ✓

The fly on the wall was motionless. ✓
My net was full of lots of wriggling critters. ✓
The moth had landed on an extremely bright light. ✓

4 Can you change these nouns into some very descriptive noun phrases?

noun noun phrase This looks

tricky!
Car particularly expensive red sports car

Elephant an enormous elephant with massive ears

Cave a cold, damp cave under the mountain
Meal a delicious meal of pizza and chips

I know what noun phrases and preposition phrases are. I’m confident I’m nearly there

21
S Sentence structure
Simple sentences have a subject, verb and sometimes they have an object.
Charlie caught the ball.

subject verb object

The subject tells us who or what is doing something to the object.

1 Label the boxes with V (verb), S (subject) and O (object) to show the parts of these sentences.
Fred bought a ticket. He sold his bike.

S V O S V O
The old brown dog chewed the bone. My venomous pet snake escaped!

S V O S V

2 Circle the two correct words in this statement.

Not all sentences contain a/an object/subject.

3 Complete the two statements below using the words subject and object.

The subject is a noun, pronoun or noun phrase that usually comes before the verb.

The object is a noun, pronoun or noun phrase that usually comes after the verb.

Phew!

4 Use the subject (S), verb (V) or object (O) provided to make up your own sentences below.

The bus (S) The bus came round the corner at 9 o'clock.
Climbed (V) We climbed the tallest tree in the park.
An enormous cake (O) They baked an enormous cake.

I understand what is meant by subject, verb and object. I’m confident I’m nearly there

22
T Sentence types
Sentences can contain one or more clauses.
Examples: The fox chased the rabbit. This is a single-clause sentence.
The fox chased the rabbit, but the rabbit escaped. This is a multi-clause sentence.
All sentences have a main clause but they can have extra main or subordinate clauses.

1 Can you underline the subordinate clauses in these sentences?

I collected shells after the tide had gone out.
After it stopped raining, I walked to the shops.

2 Add an extra main clause to the sentence below.

The path was quite slippery and the walls were covered in moss.

3 Rewrite the sentence below adding a subordinate clause.

The mighty ship sailed out into the endless ocean.

After it has been boarded by lots of passengers, the mighty ship sailed out
into the endless ocean.

4 Can you add a suitable conjunction to complete these sentences?

Jack ran up the hill and Jill came tumbling after.

Owning a pet is amazing although it is very hard work.

Because we like you, we’ve got you a present!

The apple fell from the tree when there was a gust of wind.

Wow!
5 Can you think of a good multi-clause sentence containing 3 clauses?

Because the snow was very deep, we couldn't ride our bikes and we had to
walk to school.

I can identify the different types of clause in a sentence. I’m confident I’m nearly there

23
U Ellipsis
Ellipsis is when a word or phrase is left out to make writing flow smoothly.
Examples: Jodie waved goodbye to her mother and she watched her drive away.
Jodie waved goodbye to her mother and watched her drive away.

1 Can you underline a word or phrase in each of these sentences that could be
removed without changing the meaning?
They did it because they wanted to do it.
My sister, who is called Emma, is older than me.
She likes watching films and she likes listening to music.
My dad has been to America, but I haven’t been to America.

2 Rewrite these sentences using ellipsis to remove some words and make the writing flow better.

I am just as excited about going on holiday as you are excited about going on holiday.

I am just as excited about going on holiday as you are.

Unless you really want to buy tickets in advance, there is no need to buy tickets in advance.
(Hint: There are two ways of doing this – choose the one that sounds best.)

Unless you really want to, there is no need to buy tickets in advance.

3 Tick the sentence below where it would be possible to leave out one he. Underline the he
that could be taken out.

✓ He phoned his mum and he gave her the news.

He gave his mum the news when he phoned her.

Let’s get
4 Rewrite this direct speech without the ellipsis. started!

“Coming?” Jack asked.

“Yes – anything I can bring?” Jill replied.

“Are you coming?” Jack asked.

“Yes - is there anything that I can bring?” Jill replied.

I can recognise and use ellipsis. I’m confident I’m nearly there

24
V Active voice and passive voice
Look at this example sentence in the active voice. The subject does something to the object.
My dog ate my homework.
(subject) (object)
In the passive voice the original object becomes the subject and something happens to it.
My homework was eaten by my dog.
(subject)

1 Which sentence is written in the active voice? Tick one.

The book was read by Molly. ✓ The monkey ate the banana.

2 Which sentence is written in the passive voice? Tick one.

Something hit Jack on the head. ✓ Jack’s head was wrapped in a bandage.

3 Rewrite these sentences using the active voice.

My toes were run over by a shopping trolley.

A shopping trolley ran over my toes.

The worm was eaten by the bird.
The bird ate the worm.

4 Rewrite this sentence using the passive voice.

The school organised a visit to the museum.

A visit to the museum was organised by the school.

Here
5 Adding sentences in the passive voice can make your writing more interesting or more goes!
dramatic. Rewrite this and change the final sentence into the passive voice.
The enormous brown rat scuttled into the kitchen. Unfortunately, the chef was not
there, but he had left the king’s cake on the table. A rat ate the king’s cake!

The enormous brown rat scuttled into the kitchen. Unfortunately, the chef
was not there, but he had left the king's cake on the table. The king's cake
was eaten by a rat!

I understand what is meant by ‘passive’ and ‘active’ voice. I’m confident I’m nearly there

25
W Linking sentences and paragraphs
If a piece of writing flows well and its parts fit together clearly, we say that it has cohesion.
Adverbs and adverbials can provide cohesion.
Example: I went to see the dentist. Fortunately, I didn’t need any fillings.
Referring back to something can provide cohesion. (By repeating the noun or using a pronoun.)
Example: She gave me a tennis racquet. The racquet was great. I liked it very much.

1 Choose the best adverbs or adverbials from this list to make these sentences link together
well. (unfortunately, sadly, in addition, however, for example)

I have to get up at 7.00 am most days. However, I can stay in bed

for longer on Saturdays.

There are many ways to get protein. For example, you could eat nuts.

2 Write two sentences of your own using an adverb or adverbial to link them.

I really like bananas. Luckily, we can buy them all year round.

3 Add a second sentence to the sentences below. Refer back to the first sentence each
time to add cohesion.
The girl loved her pet cat Felix. He was certainly a cat with attitude!

My new bicycle is amazing. It is so much faster than my old one.

4 The end of a paragraph is shown below. Write the first few words of the
next paragraph to show how you would link the paragraphs by referring back. Tricky!

- and that was the end of the first day of our adventure.

Next morning, the adventure continued.

I know some ways of linking sentences and paragraphs. I’m confident I’m nearly there

26
X Non-standard English
You should try to use standard English in your writing and when speaking formally. If
you use standard English you will be understood anywhere in the world where the English
language is used.
Examples: Non-standard English Standard English
I done it cos I felt like it. I did it because I felt like it.
I ain’t done nothing. I haven’t done anything.

Rewrite each sentence below using standard English. Try to avoid these non-standard expressions
in your writing.

1 I did it cos I wanted to.

I did it because I wanted to.

2 He were only four years old when he began playing the piano.

He was only four years old when he began playing the piano.
3 I had a maths test today and it went very bad.

I had a maths test today and it went very badly.

4 It's not my fault - I didn't say nothing.

It's not my fault - I didn't say anything.

5 I've looked everywhere but I ain't found my pen.

I've looked everywhere but I haven't found my pen.

6 Promise me that you won't do that no more.

Promise me that you won't do that again.

7 I seen it, but I can't remember where.

I have seen it, but I can't remember where.

8 Can I have one of them biscuits please?

Can I have one of those biscuits please?

OK!
9 We should of spent more time doing our homework!

We should have spent more time doing our homework!

I can use standard English in my writing. I’m confident I’m nearly there

27
Y Subjunctives
Subjunctives are forms of verbs that we wouldn’t expect to find. They are used in
imaginary situations like this:
If I were a dinosaur, I would be enormous. If only my grandma were alive…
In these examples, were is used instead of was.
Subjunctives are also used with suggestions and instructions. For example:
I insist that they be counted.
(Here, be is used instead of is, am or are.)
I recommend that he write and apologise.
(Here, the s is dropped from the end of the verb.)

1 Underline the subjunctive verb forms in these sentences.

It is vital that he be in the team.
The doctor advised that she give up chocolate.
I wish I were back home.
The rule says that everyone be computer literate.
We instructed that each player report her own score.

2 Circle the word you would use in the sentences below so that they are in the subjunctive form.

If I was / were to have one wish, it would be for a bike.

If only mum were / was here, we would all be together.

I insist that she writes / write a letter of apology.

We demand that they be / are / were handed in immediately.

Wow!
3 Try to write your own sentence containing a verb in its subjunctive form.

If only I were an astronaut, I would be able to visit the moon.

I can recognise the subjunctive form of verbs. I’m confident I’m nearly there

28
 Punctuation
A Revision of basic punctuation
Do these exercises to check that you understand how to use full stops, question marks,
exclamation marks, capital letters, commas, apostrophes and inverted commas.

1 Capital letters
Which sentence uses capital letters correctly?

The Irish athlete had a Gold Medal from the Olympic Games.

The irish athlete had a gold medal from the Olypmic Games.

The Irish athlete had a Gold medal from the Olympic Games.

The Irish athlete had a gold medal from the Olympic Games. ✓

2 Punctuation marks at the end of sentences

Add a full stop, question mark or exclamation mark at the end of these sentences.

Would you like to share my pizza ? We need to leave at six o’clock .

Stop staring at me ! The book is on the top shelf .
Can I have another biscuit please ? I hate cheese !

3 Commas
Write this sentence again and add commas where they are needed.
My bag is heavy because I have my books pens pencils and my PE kit in it.

My bag is heavy because I have my books, pens, pencils and my PE kit in it.

4 Apostrophes to show missing letters

Rewrite these sentences with any apostrophes that are needed.

Theyre not very happy. They're not very happy.

Weve no money left. We've no money left.
I couldnt remember anything. I couldn't remember anything.
She wont talk to me. She won't talk to me.

Turn over for more questions. I’m confident I’m nearly there

29
5 Apostrophes to show possession
Write these sentences again using apostrophes to show who everything belongs to.

This is a mans coat. This is a man's coat.

Jacks bucket is red. Jack's bucket is red.
The childrens toys were sold. The children's toys were sold.
These are the girls bikes. (Several girls.) These are the girls' bikes.

6 Inverted commas
Write these sentences with all the capital letters, commas and inverted commas that
are needed.
Jason shouted they’re not my shoes!

Jason shouted, “They're not my shoes!”

My foot interrupted Sue hurts a lot!

“My foot,” interrupted Sue, “hurts a lot!”

Have you seen my school bag? asked Zara.
No! her mother replied. Try looking in your room. You usually leave it in there.

“Have you seen my school bag?” asked Zara.

“No!” her mother replied. “Try looking in your room. You usually leave it
there.”

Wow!

7 There are three punctuation mistakes in this paragraph. Write the paragraph
again with no mistakes.
“What time is it”? Dad asked.
“Wheres your watch?” Mum replied. She looked at the clock. “Its five past ten!” she shouted.

“What time is it?” Dad asked.

“Where's your watch?” Mum replied. She looked at the clock.
“It's five past ten!” she shouted.

I can use all the basic punctuation marks. I’m confident I’m nearly there

30
B Parenthesis
A piece of extra information added to a sentence is called a parenthesis. The sentence would
still make sense if the extra information was removed. We can use commas, parentheses
(brackets) or dashes to separate a parenthesis from the rest of the sentence.
Examples: My pet dog, who is called Gnasher, is very friendly.
Daisy (my mum’s car) is quite old.
His swollen foot−the size of a football−was extremely painful.
You will notice that using brackets makes the parenthesis easy to see. Also, using
dashes draws more attention to the extra information.

1 Add commas to separate the ‘extra information’ from the rest of this sentence.
Tess ,who loves to make jokes ,was enjoying the party.

2 Write this sentence again and add dashes to separate the ‘extra information’.
Their lottery win a small fortune has made them very rich.

Their lottery win−a small fortune−has made them very rich.

3 Add parentheses (brackets) to separate the extra information this time.

( )
Sally-Ann last year’s runner-up won the race this year.

4 Sometimes using commas around a parenthesis can be confusing if there are other commas
in the sentence. Look at this example and rewrite it using brackets or dashes to make the
sentence clearer.
My pet fish, called Wanda, Nemo, Dory and Sharki, are finally in their new aquarium.
My pet fish (called Wanda, Nemo, Dory and Sharki) are finally in their new
aquarium.

5 Write your own great sentence including a parenthesis. Use your choice of
Really!
punctuation marks around the extra information.
My mum lost her purse−not the smallest purse in the world−yesterday
afternoon.

I know three ways of separating a parenthesis

I’m confident I’m nearly there
from the rest of a sentence.

31
C Using commas
• to separate words in a list
• after fronted adverbials
• with a parenthesis
• between main clauses
We took knives, forks, spoons and plates
Without thinking twice, she dived in.
The twins, who loved to play tricks, changed places.
They went to the station, but the train had gone.

Sometimes commas are necessary to avoid confusion.

Example: She ate her sandwiches and her brother smiled.
She ate her sandwiches, and her brother smiled. (She didn’t eat her brother.)

1 If we miss out all the commas from these sentences, their meanings are changed. Add a
comma to each one so that it makes sense.
I chose the colours red and yellow, and red was my first choice.
Baking,my family ,and my dog are all important to me.
“Can we eat ,Dad - I'm starving?”

2 Rewrite this short passage and add all the necessary commas.
When I take my dog for a walk I go to the woods. I take a drink sandwiches and Rover's
ball. The walk which takes an hour is great and speedy Rover runs all the way!

When I take my dog for a walk, I go to the woods. I take a drink,

sandwiches, and Rover's ball. The walk, which takes an hour, is great, and
speedy Rover runs all the way.

3 Add a comma to this sentence to show that only Emma and Lucy went shopping.
After leaving Jon ,Emma and Lucy went shopping.

Here
4 Tick one box in each row to show whether the commas are used correctly or not. we go!
commas used commas used
sentence correctly incorrectly

Dave, when he saw the clock, ran to the bus stop. ✓

The old chair which was an antique, was worth £3000. ✓
After the summer holiday, they all went back to school. ✓
I went to the shops, because I needed a new pen. ✓

I know how to use commas to avoid confusion

I’m confident I’m nearly there
or to make things clear.

32
D Semicolons
Semicolons can replace coordinating conjunctions linking main clauses.
Example: The wind was quite strong, and the waves were crashing against the pier.
The wind was quite strong; the waves were crashing against the pier.

They can also be used to separate phrases or clauses in a list.

Example: The train was full. There were children going home from school; people going
home from work; tourists from France, Spain and Italy; and quite a few pets!
(You need a semicolon between the last two things in the list.)

1 Add all the semicolons that are missing from the sentence:
The box contained: a tin of rusty nails, pins and screws ;a bag of buttons ;an envelope of
ancient photos, letters and newspaper cuttings ;and a mysterious gold watch.

2 Rewrite these sentences and replace the coordinating conjunctions with semicolons.
I like ready salted crisps, but my sister likes smoky bacon flavour.

I like ready salted crisps; my sister likes smoky bacon flavour.

Josh likes to play football, and Dan is mad about cricket.

Josh likes to play football; Dan is mad about cricket.

3 Tick the one sentence that is punctuated correctly.

A fridge is for storing food, an oven is for cooking it.

A fridge is for storing food; but an oven, is for cooking it.

A fridge, is for storing food; an oven is for cooking it.

✓ A fridge is for storing food; an oven is for cooking it.

Ouch!
4 Write your own great sentence with at least one semicolon in it.

My school bag contains a pencil case with pens, pencils, a ruler and a
rubber; a packed lunch with sandwiches, crisps and a drink; and my PE kit.

I understand how to use semicolons. I’m confident I’m nearly there

33
E Colons
Colons can be used to introduce lists.
Example: This is what you will need: pens, paper, scissors and glue.
However, some sentences work better without a colon.
Example: You will need a pen, paper, scissors and glue.
We also use colons between main clauses when the second clause explains the first.
Example: Dolphins are not fish: they are mammals.

1 Tick one box to show where you would put a colon in this sentence.
I bought several pieces of fruit a pear a banana and an apple.

2 Tick one box to show where you would put a colon in this sentence.
Some people chat to their dogs all the time they think their dogs are human.

3 Write your own sentence using a colon to introduce a list.

My favourite snack is: crisps, tomatoes, cheese, cucumber and chopped

apple.

4 Write this sentence again and include a colon.

It walks like a monkey and sounds like a monkey, it is a monkey!

It walks like a monkey and sounds like a monkey: it is a monkey!

5 Which sentence is punctuated correctly? Tick one. Bring

it on!

We know his secret, he broke the classroom window.

✓ We know his secret: he broke the classroom window.

We know his secret, he broke: the classroom window.

I can use colons correctly. I’m confident I’m nearly there

34
F Hyphens
Hyphens are used in numbers such as twenty-two and in people’s ages e.g. a ten-year-old
child. They are sometimes used to join pairs of words e.g. long-haired. However, we
should always use them to avoid confusion with similar words.
Example: We need to re-treat the rust. not We need to retreat the rust.
And to show which words belong together.
Example: The headline was ‘woman sees man-eating shark’.
not The headline was ‘woman sees man eating shark’.

1 Rewrite these sentences and add hyphens to clarify the meaning.

The children recovered their books with patterned paper.

The children re-covered their books with patterned paper.

She was a very hard working person.

She was a very hard-working person.

We bought the little used mobile phone online.

We bought the little-used mobile phone online.

They resent the text because the first one didn’t arrive.

They re-sent the text because the first one didn't arrive.

2 In your own words, explain the difference between: a spare-room heater and a spare room-heater.

A spare-room heater is a heater for the spare room.

A spare room-heater is a heater for any room.

3 Which sentence uses hyphens correctly? Tick one.

There are twenty nine year-olds in class 4. There are twenty-nine year-olds in class 4.

There are twenty nine-year olds in class 4. ✓ There are twenty nine-year-olds in class 4.

4 Try to write two sentences of your own and include at least one hyphen in each. Wow!

My dad is thirty-six next Wednesday.

I have a four-year-old sister.
I can use hyphens to make my writing easier to follow. I’m confident I’m nearly there

35
 G Dashes
The dash−is used for several reasons in addition to parenthesis:
• To draw attention to something.
For example: To make up stories you need one thing−imagination.
• To add extra comments.
For example: I’ve sorted everything out−at least I hope I have.
• To add a pause or break between two main clauses.
For example: They opened the box−it was crawling with maggots.

1 Tick one box to show where a dash should go in these sentences.

Giraffes are extremely tall they can be over 5m in height.

✓
They were very shocked when they dived in the pool was not heated.

2 Finish this sentence with a dash and a bit more information.

There was nothing special about the meal −it was not as good as it could have
been.

3 Can you rewrite these sentences and replace the coordinating conjunctions with dashes?

They had been to the theme park and it had been a great day.

They had been to the theme park−it had been a great day.
Overall the food was good, but the fish was excellent.

Overall the food was good−the fish was excellent.

4 Write a sentence about this picture and include one dash.

Oh! I love toast and jam for breakfast−especially strawberry

jam!

I know how to use dashes in my writing. I’m confident I’m nearly there

36
H Bullet points and numbered lists
If the order is important, we use numbered lists.
Example: Follow these instructions: Colons can be used to
1) Remove the lid. introduce the lists.
2) Pour out the liquid.
If the list is made up
Bullet points are used if the order is not important.
of complete sentences,
Example: Remember:
use full stops at
• Your handwriting is important. the end.
• Accurate spelling is required.

1 Put these instructions for boiling an egg into a numbered list (in the correct order).
Enjoy your egg! Boil for 6 minutes. Bring the water to the boil and add your egg.
Half fill a pan with water.

1. Half fill a pan with water.

2. Bring the water to the boil and add your egg.
3. Boil for 6 minutes.
4. Enjoy your egg.

2 Use bullet points to add three items of your own to this list.
In my school bag I have:

• A pencil case.
• My lunch box.
• My reading book.

Let’s give
3 Look at this sentence and explain in your own words why bullet points this a go!
would have been better than numbers.
Jake’s teacher reminded him that his pencil case should contain:
1) Two pencils
2) A ruler
3) Two pens

Bullet points would have been better because the order of the things doesn't
matter.

I know how to use bullet points and numbered lists. I’m confident I’m nearly there

37
 Spelling

A Prefixes
A prefix is a group of letters added to the front of a root word to change its meaning.
Example: re- + appear reappear
re- means again reappear means appear again
If you know what a prefix means, it will help you to work out the meaning of new words.
Example: mis + spell misspell
prefix means wrongly spell wrongly

1 Draw arrows between the prefixes and their meanings.

re- sub- inter- anti- bi- multi- trans-

across between against many having two under again

2 Use your answers to question 1 to help you write down what these words mean.

multicoloured something that has many colours

transatlantic across the atlantic
submarine something that goes under the sea

3 What do you think these words mean?

miscalculate calculate wrongly

misunderstand understand wrongly

4 In each box below use a prefix from one of the balloons to make a word with the meaning
shown. The root words are shown in orange.
OK! (One needs a hyphen!) mid- un- over- pre-

the middle of
meaning too optimistic before school not wanted
summer

word midsummer over-optimistic pre-school unwanted

I know what prefixes are and how to use them. I’m confident I’m nearly there

38
B Suffixes
A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word to make a new word.
quick + -ly quickly
(Here an adjective is turned into an adverb by adding -ly.)

inform + -ation information

(Here a verb is turned into a noun by adding -ation.)

1 Match each suffix to a root word using an arrow.

sing advert hero child

-ise -ish -ing -ism

2 Complete the table below by adding -ly to each adjective to make an adverb. You will need
to change the spelling of some of the adjectives.

adjective adverb adjective adverb

sad sadly usual usually

simple simply angry angrily
careful carefully slow slowly
basic basically humble humbly
OK!
3 Add one of these suffixes -ness -ful -ative to each word below, making a new word.
Write each new word in a new sentence.

a) talk + -ative talkative

suffix new word

Sentence: My sister is too talkative!

b) kind + -ness kindness
suffix new word

Sentence: We should try to show kindness to others.

c) hope + -ful hopeful
suffix new word

Sentence: My teacher is hopeful that my spelling will improve.

I know what suffixes are and how to use them. I’m confident I’m nearly there

39
 C Words ending -cious and -tious
Some adjectives end -cious or -tious and their spellings can be tricky. It may help if you
know that root words ending in -ce are usually spelt with -cious.
For example: space spacious vice vicious
However, there are some you just need to remember how to spell.
Examples: anxious, precious and cautious

1 Circle the correct spelling in each pair of words. Use a dictionary to check your answers.

ambitious / ambicious scrumptious / scrumpcious

delicious / delitious malitious / malicious

2 Write these sentences again and correct any misspelt words. Use a dictionary.

a) Jody likes eating salads because they are nutricious.

Jody likes eating salads because they are nutritious.

b) Not all athletes are gratious when they lose.

Not all athletes are gracious when they lose.

c) When you do all your work you are consciencious.
When you do all your work you are conscientious.

3 Write two sentences in your own words. Try to include a word with the -cious ending
and a word with the -tious ending.

A girl ran into a lamp post and knocked herself unconscious.

When I'm older, I want to be a dentist−I am very ambitious.
Ouch!

I know how to spell some words ending in -tious and -cious. I’m confident I’m nearly there

40
D Words ending -cial and -tial
Some adjectives end with -cial or -tial and you will need to know how to spell some of them.
Examples: special partial
-cial is common after a vowel and -tial after a consonant, but this isn’t always true.
Examples: initial financial
Sometimes we just need to learn the spellings!

1 Which is the only word spelt correctly in this list? Circle your answer.

offitial substantial confidencial benefitial

2 Write down your own sentence and include the word shown.

(initial) Her initial reaction was to run away.

(special) My birthday is always a special occasion!

3 Draw arrows to link the words to a correct meaning.

beneficial crucial torrential commercial

flowing something to do leading to very

rapidly with business something good important

Here
we go!
4 Can you unscramble these letters to make words ending –tial or –cial?

rfaitilcai artificial
asnstleei essential

I know how to spell some words ending in -cial and -tial. I’m confident I’m nearly there

41
E Words ending in -ant -ance -ancy or -ent -ence -ency
-ent -ence -ency are used after ‘soft c’ and ‘soft g’ sounds.
For example: decent innocent agency diligence
They are also used after qu as in frequent.
Unfortunately, there are many words that you will just need to learn to spell.

1 Tick the words below that are spelt correctly. Write down the correct spellings next to
the words that are wrongly spelt. Use a dictionary to help you.

observent observant innocance innocence

hesitent hesitant confidant confident
✓ observance ✓ confidence

✓ hesitance ✓ obedient

2 Circle the correct spellings in brackets below. Use a dictionary to check your answers.
Acid is a dangerous (substence / substance).
You call 999 and ask for (assistance / assistence).
Working on my own, I feel (independant / independent).
Your argument is not particularly (relevant / relevent). E M E RGE N C Y

3 Try to find a word ending in -ancy and a word ending in -ency. Write each of your words
in a separate sentence.

(-ancy) vacancy I hope the hotel will have a vacancy.

(-ency) currency When I go to Spain, I'll need some foreign

OK! currency.

I know how to spell some words ending in

I’m confident I’m nearly there
-ant -ance -ancy and -ent -ence -ency.

42
F Words ending in -able -ably -ible and -ibly
The -able and -ible endings are quite confusing, and there are some words that you just
need to remember. It may help if you remember that the -able ending is often used if there
is a complete root word before the ending. This doesn’t work every time.
Example: dependable enjoyable comfortable
you can hear the you can hear the you can hear the
root word depend root word enjoy root word comfort

1 Circle the correct spelling in each pair of words below.

reasonable / reasonible horrable / horrible reliable / relyible sensible / sensable

2 Add -able or -ible to spell some adjectives. Use a dictionary to check your answers.

terr ible laugh able drink able

incred ible formid able service able

3 Adjectives ending in -able or -ible can be converted to adverbs by changing their endings
to -ably or -ibly.

adjective adverb adjective adverb

terrible terribly reliable reliably

comfortable comfortably unbelievable unbelievably

Give it
a go!
4 Find one word ending in -ably and one word ending in -ibly. Write each of your
words in a separate short sentence or clause.

(-ably) noticeably You've grown noticeably taller.

(-iby) incredibly This question is incredibly hard.

I know how to spell some words ending

I’m confident I’m nearly there
in -able -ably -ible and -ibly.

43
G i before e except after c
You will probably have heard this rule before. The rule only works when ie or ei make the
ee sound (as in tree).
words with ie words with ei
belief achieve ceiling receipt
thief piece deceive receive
Where the ie or ei doesn’t make the ee sound, the rule doesn’t apply.
Examples: science, efficient, foreign and beige

1 Circle the correct spelling in each pair of words below.

cheif / chief perceive / percieve believe / beleive deciet / deceit

Do these words follow the i before e except after c rule? Yes

Explain why the rule applies to all these words: The ie or ei always makes the ee
sound.

2 Circle the correct spelling in each pair of words below.

weight / wieght science / sceince hieght / height efficient / efficeint

Do these words follow the i before e except after c rule? No

Explain why the rule doesn’t apply to all these words: The ie or ei doesn't make the ee
sound.

3 Tick the two words that are exceptions to the ‘i before e’ rule.

ceiling ✓ protein ✓ weird thief receive

Wow!
4 Explain in your own words why the word seize is an exception to the ‘i before e’ rule.

Because the ei in seize sounds like ee, the rule says it should be sieze.

I can use the ‘i before e’ rule to help me to spell

I’m confident I’m nearly there
words containing the letters ie or ei.

44
H Tricky spellings
Words with the letters ough are very tricky because the letters ough can be used for
several different sounds.
Examples: bought rough through plough dough
Say these words aloud to help you spot the different sounds.
Words with silent letters can also be tricky. Examples: doubt lamb

1 Use arrows to join the ough words that sound the same.

brought rough though plough

although thought bough tough

2 Write a short sentence containing the words shown. ( You can use a dictionary to help.)

(tough) The skin on my apple is very tough.

(enough) I've had enough biscuits, thank you.
(bough) The bough fell from the tree in the strong wind.

3 Solve the clues to find the words with silent letters.

When leaves change colour a u t u m n
Between your hand and arm w r i s t
Land surrounded by sea i s l a n d

Opposite to a row c o l u m n
They move your bones! m u s c l e s
Yeah!

4 Underline the correct spelling and then write a sentence with the word in it.

cupboard / cuboard I keep my sweets in a locked cupboard.

fascinated / fasinated I was fascinated by the colour of her hair.

I know some tricky spellings. I’m confident I’m nearly there

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 I Homophones and near-homophones

1 Write the correct word in each sentence. Use a dictionary if necessary.

advise advice stationery stationary
Ask for some good advice . If it’s not moving, it’s stationary .
Your brother can advise you. Stationery includes pens and pencils.

practise practice aisle isle

Cricket practice is cancelled. They walked along the aisle .
You need to practise more. An isle is an island.

guessed guest heard herd

Be polite, she’s a guest . We heard a loud noise.
I guessed the answer would be 12. A herd of elephants.

led lead morning mourning

She led me by the hand. It’s a sunny morning .
The sack was as heavy as lead . They feel sad because they are mourning .

devise device license licence

Do you like my electronic device ? He needs to get a driving licence .
She needs to devise a new plan. We must license the TV.

past passed principle principal

Henry VIII lived in the past . Another word for Headteacher is Principal .
I passed the ball to you. I agree with you in principle .

who’s whose steel steal

Who's knocking at the door? The spoons are made from stainless steel .
Whose coat is this? They tried to steal my money.

meddle medal aloud allowed

Please don’t meddle with my jigsaw. Read your poem aloud .
The athlete won a gold medal . Are you allowed to go out?
Wow! grate great father farther
This pizza is really great ! My father married my mother.
We need to grate the cheese. How much farther have we got to go?
seen scene fair fare
Rare birds are not often seen . It’s not fair , yours is better.
It was the last scene of the play. He forgot his bus fare .

I can recognise homophones. I’m confident I’m nearly there

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Notes

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Notes

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