Tricky spelling rules for Y5-6

English · Spelling & Word Study · ages 9-10

Name ______________________ Date ____________

Use a hyphen to join co- and ordinate. Which form follows that instruction?
- co-ordinate
- coordinate
- co ordinate
Which correctly spelled word doubles prefer's final r while keeping stress on fer?
- prefering
- preferred
- preference
The letters ough always represent the same sound in every word.
Circle one: True False
Alex wants to show re- meaning again with a hyphen. Which sentence follows that request?
- Alex will re-cover the chair.
- Alex will recover the chair.
- Alex will re cover the chair.
Complete 'The nurse is ______ the patient to a specialist.' The verb keeps stress on fer.
- refering
- referring
- reference
Which word rhymes with stuff?
- though
- rough
- through
Which spelling completes 'We hope to ______ a reply tomorrow'?
- recieve
- receive
- receeve
Which sentence misspells a form of defer that keeps stress on fer?
- She deferred the decision yesterday.
- He has a strong preference for tea.
- They are defering the decision now.

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

co-ordinate · Co-ordinate uses a hyphen at the requested join. Coordinate is accepted but does not follow this instruction.
preferred · Preferred keeps fer stressed, so prefer's final r doubles before ed.
False · Though rhymes with go, while through rhymes with too. Their different sounds make the statement false.
Alex will re-cover the chair. · Re-cover separates re- from cover with a hyphen, making the parts clear.
referring · Double refer's final r before ing to spell referring.
rough · Rough rhymes with stuff. Though rhymes with go, and through rhymes with too.
receive · Receive has ei immediately after c.
They are defering the decision now. · Defering should be deferring. Defer's final r doubles before ing when fer stays stressed.