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Year 4 - English

The /shun/ suffixes, including -ssion

Noun and adjective suffixes

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn spelling and grammar conventions associated with certain noun and adjective suffixes like -ity, -ness, -tion, -sion, -ssion, -cian, -cial and -tial. Pupils review how the addition of a suffix can affect the grammar of a word, in most cases by changing its word class.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to spell words using the suffix -ssion.

Key Notes

  • The /shun/ suffix can be spelt -tion, -sion, -ssion or -cian.
  • Words spelt with -ssion often have a root word ending in 'ss' or 'mit'.
  • Words ending in the suffix suffix -ssion are nouns.
  • How to spell the curriculum words: century, famous and imagine.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • noun: a naming word for a person, place or thing
  • root word: the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
  • suffix: a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils miss out letters in 'century' because they cannot hear all the sounds.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

The /shun/ suffix can be spelt -tion, -sion, -ssion or -cian. Words spelt with -ssion often have a root word ending in 'ss' or 'mit'.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'noun'

a naming word for a person, place or thing.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils miss out letters in 'century' because they cannot hear all the sounds. Correction: Say the word slowly, as it is spelt, in order to empahsise all the letters: cen -tur -y.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 English guide library.