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      Spelling words with the suffix -ible

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can spell words using the suffix -ible.

      Key learning points

      1. The suffixes -ible and -able create adjectives.
      2. Removing the -ible suffix does not usually leave a recognisable root word in English, e.g. visible - vis.
      3. Adjectives ending in the suffix -ible and adverbs ending in the suffix -ibly are connected in spelling and meaning.
      4. How to spell the curriculum words: possible, material and straight.

      Keywords

      • Suffix - a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning

      • Root word - the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes

      • Adjective - describes a noun

      • Adverb - describes a verb

      Common misconception

      Pupils may assume all words ending in -ible do not have a root word.

      Demonstrate that some words such as sensible do have a recognisable root word in English (sense). However, other -ible words do have roots (stems) but not whole 'words' from English, they may be Latin roots, such as 'vis'.

      Teacher tip

      In the close passage for Task B, both 'incredible' and 'impossible' could fit in the first two gaps. Explore which one is most appropriate, by discussing the nuance of each word.

      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.
      What word class is the word in bold in this sentence? The sensible pupil packed his books into his bag carefully.

      verb
      noun
      Correct answer: adjective
      adverb

      Q2.
      What word class is the word in bold in this sentence? He packed his things away sensibly.

      verb
      noun
      adjective
      Correct answer: adverb

      Q3.
      Match the words ending in -able to the root word.

      Correct Answer:sustainable,sustain

      sustain

      Correct Answer:admirable,admire

      admire

      Correct Answer:reasonable,reason

      reason

      Q4.
      What happens when the suffix -able is added to 'admire'?

      Just add the suffix.
      Correct answer: Remove the ‘e’, then add the suffix.
      Keep the ‘e’ and just add the suffix.

      Q5.
      What happens when the suffix -able is added to 'reason'?

      Correct answer: Just add the suffix.
      Remove the ‘e’, then add the suffix.
      Keep the ‘e’ and just add the suffix.

      Q6.
      Match the word to the word class.

      Correct Answer:consideration,noun

      noun

      Correct Answer:tolerable,adjective

      adjective

      Correct Answer:adorably,adverb

      adverb

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the word to the word class.

      Correct Answer:response,noun

      noun

      Correct Answer:responsible,adjective

      adjective

      Correct Answer:responsibly,adverb

      adverb

      Q2.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. I have a terable cold.

      Correct Answer: terrible

      Q3.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. The witch was a horibel character.

      Correct Answer: horrible

      Q4.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. The mark on the carpet was clearly vizibell.

      Correct Answer: visible

      Q5.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. This shirt is made of a natural matryel.

      Correct Answer: material

      Q6.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. Walk in a strate line to the end of the road.

      Correct Answer: straight

      To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Spelling words with the suffix -ible, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...