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Year 6 - English

Using and applying 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 suffixes -cial and -tial using spelling rules and exceptions.

Key Notes

  • The suffix -cial is common after a vowel letter.
  • The suffix -tial is common after a consonant letter.
  • Words ending in the suffix -cial or -tial are generally adjectives.
  • Exceptions include: financial, commercial, provincial.
  • How to spell the curriculum words: occur, occupy and communicate.

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

  • Often the root of the word is hard to spell so this leads to incorrect spellings.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The suffix -cial is common after a vowel letter. The suffix -tial is common after a consonant letter.

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: Often the root of the word is hard to spell so this leads to incorrect spellings. Correction: Discuss words that children find hard and look for root words that you recognise, or parts of the word that are difficult.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 English guide library.