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      Spelling words with the suffix -al

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can spell words using the suffix -al and write them in sentences.

      Key learning points

      1. The suffix -al often turns nouns into adjectives.
      2. When the root word ends in a consonant, just add the suffix.
      3. When the root word ends in ‘e’, remove the ‘e’ and add the suffix.
      4. How to spell the curriculum words: disappear, perhaps and experience.

      Keywords

      • Noun - a naming word for people, places or things

      • Adjective - describes a noun

      • 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 misconception

      Pupils mix up the double letters in 'disappear'.

      Remind pupils that 'disappear' is made of the prefix dis- and appear. That way, you know there will only be a single 's'.

      Teacher tip

      Play match the definition to the word for words ending in -al, to help pupils secure the meaning of words explored in the lesson.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Select all the words containing the suffix -al.

      Correct answer: national
      walk
      Correct answer: personal
      calling
      castle

      Q2.
      Match each word to the representation of the 'l' sound it contains.

      Correct Answer:lion,l
      Correct Answer:well,ll
      Correct Answer:apple,le
      Correct Answer:hotel,el
      Correct Answer:nostril,il
      Correct Answer:animal,al

      Q3.
      Choose the correct spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'Use a capitle letter at the start of a sentence.'

      capitel
      Correct answer: capital
      capitle

      Q4.
      Choose the correct spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'I like the natchrul beauty of the countryside.'

      natureal
      Correct answer: natural
      natchrul
      natchural

      Q5.
      Choose the correct spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'Is it posibul to swap seats with you?'

      posible
      possibal
      possibel
      Correct answer: possible

      Q6.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'This question is very dificlt.'

      Correct Answer: difficult

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to the word class. The suffixes will help you!

      Correct Answer:natural,adjective
      Correct Answer:education,noun
      Correct Answer:flatten,verb

      Q2.
      What is the root word of 'seasonal'?

      son
      al
      sea
      Correct answer: season

      Q3.
      Which of these root words will 'remove ‘e’, then add the suffix, when -al is added?

      Correct answer: culture
      profession
      Correct answer: arrive
      nation
      Correct answer: globe

      Q4.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'She plays for the nashnul football team.'

      Correct Answer: national

      Q5.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'Going to the museum is an excellent culchurul experience.'

      Correct Answer: cultural

      Q6.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'Every time I turnaround, my pen seems to dissapeer!'

      Correct Answer: disappear

      To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Spelling words with the suffix -al, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...