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      The suffixes -cial and -tial

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can spell words using the suffixes -cial and -tial.

      Key learning points

      1. It is common to see a ‘c’ or a ‘t’ before the suffix -ial
      2. The /shul/ ending can be spelt -cial or -tial
      3. If the letter before the /shul/ ending is a consonant, -tial is usually used
      4. If the letter before the /shul/ ending is a vowel, -cial is usually used
      5. How to spell the curriculum words: breathe and library

      Keywords

      • Consonant - a sound that is made by blocking air in the mouth with the teeth, tongue, lips or palate

      • Vowel - a speech sound produced with an open mouth

      • 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

      Children may think the root word will help determine the spelling, but this does not always help.

      Review links to root words when helpful, but encourage use of the rule about vowels and consonants to determine the spelling.

      Teacher tip

      Ensure children know the meaning of words explored in the lesson by putting them into full sentences.

      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.
      Which clue helps with the 'ssion' spelling of the /shun/ suffix?

      root words end in t or te (the most common)
      root words end in d, de or se (can sound like /zhun/)
      Correct answer: root words end in ss or mit
      root words end in c or cs (professions)

      Q2.
      Which clue helps with the 'cian' spelling of the /shun/ suffix?

      root words end in t or te (the most common)
      root words end in d, de or se (can sound like /zhun/)
      root words end in ss or mit
      Correct answer: root words end in c or cs (professions)

      Q3.
      Match the word beginning to the correct word ending to ensure each word is spelt correctly.

      Correct Answer:permi,ssion

      ssion

      Correct Answer:educa,tion

      tion

      Correct Answer:divi,sion

      sion

      Q4.
      Select the words that contain the 'sh' sound in them.

      Correct answer: push
      sell
      Correct answer: shut
      pass
      Correct answer: station

      Q5.
      Match each words to the correct meaning.

      Correct Answer:partial,incomplete or only a part of

      incomplete or only a part of

      Correct Answer:confidential,private and not to be shared

      private and not to be shared

      Correct Answer:facial,relating to the face

      relating to the face

      Q6.
      Match each word to its meaning.

      Correct Answer:essential,necessary or vital

      necessary or vital

      Correct Answer:initial,first or starting

      first or starting

      Correct Answer:torrential,heavy and intense, like a torrent

      heavy and intense, like a torrent

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Select the words that contain the 'sh' sound in them.

      Correct answer: cash
      has
      Correct answer: station
      catch
      Correct answer: precious

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

      Correct Answer:shut,sh

      sh

      Correct Answer:potion,ti

      ti

      Correct Answer:special,ci

      ci

      Q3.
      What are the main ways that the /shul/ suffix is spelt in words?

      Correct answer: cial
      shol
      Correct answer: tial
      shul
      siol

      Q4.
      If the letter before the /shul/ ending is a vowel, which spelling is usually used?

      Correct answer: cial
      sial
      tial

      Q5.
      If the letter before the /shul/ ending is a consonant, which spelling is usually used?

      cial
      sial
      Correct answer: tial

      Q6.
      Write the correct spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'I borrowed a book from the libree.'

      Correct Answer: library

      To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: The suffixes -cial and -tial, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...