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Year 6 - English

Spelling words with the suffixes -cial and -tial

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 -cial and -tial.

Key Notes

  • It is common to see a 'c' or a 't' before the suffix -ial.
  • Words ending in the suffix -cial or -tial are generally adjectives.
  • The suffix -cial is usually used after a vowel.
  • The suffix -tial is common after a consonant letter.
  • How to spell the curriculum words: cemetery and language.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • suffix: a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning
  • vowel: a speech sound produced with an open mouth
  • consonant: a sound that is made by blocking air in the mouth with the teeth, tongue, lips or palate
  • root word: the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes

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. Words ending in the suffix -cial or -tial are generally adjectives.

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

a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning.

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 6 English guide library.