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Year 6 - English

Spelling words with the suffix -ous and -tious

Homophones and tense

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils build and review a range of spelling patterns with a focus on homonyms, homophones and a wide range of suffixes, including -ed, -ing, -er, -est, -s, -ies, -es, -ves, -le, -el, -il, -al, -cian, -tion, -sion, -ssion, -ous, -tious, -cious, -cial and -tial.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to spell words with the suffix -tious.

Key Notes

  • If the root word ends in 'tion', use the suffix -tious.
  • Exceptions or harder root words include: fictitious.
  • The suffix -tious generally turns a noun into an adjective.
  • How to spell the curriculum words: conscious and embarrass

Vocabulary To Learn

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

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • You can hear the 'ee' in all words ending in -ious and -eous.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

If the root word ends in 'tion', use the suffix -tious. Exceptions or harder root words include: fictitious.

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

a letter or group of letters added to the end of a root word.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: You can hear the 'ee' in all words ending in -ious and -eous. Correction: You cannot hear the 'ee' in words ending -geous, like 'courageous' (the 'e' is making the 'soft g' sound).

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 English guide library.