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Year 4 - English

The suffixes -cial and -tial

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 suffixes -cial and -tial.

Key Notes

  • It is common to see a 'c' or a 't' before the suffix -ial
  • The /shul/ ending can be spelt -cial or -tial
  • If the letter before the /shul/ ending is a consonant, -tial is usually used
  • If the letter before the /shul/ ending is a vowel, -cial is usually used
  • How to spell the curriculum words: breathe and library

Vocabulary To Learn

  • consonant: a sound that is made by blocking air in the mouth with the teeth, tongue, lips or palate
  • vowel: a speech sound produced with an open mouth
  • 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

  • Children may think the root word will help determine the spelling, but this does not always help.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

It is common to see a 'c' or a 't' before the suffix -ial. The /shul/ ending can be spelt -cial or -tial.

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

a sound that is made by blocking air in the mouth with the teeth, tongue, lips or palate.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Children may think the root word will help determine the spelling, but this does not always help. Correction: Review links to root words when helpful, but encourage use of the rule about vowels and consonants to determine the spelling.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 English guide library.