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      Using the suffix -tion to represent /shun/

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can spell words using the suffix -tion

      Key learning points

      1. If the word ends in a consonant, generally just add "-tion"; this is the best bet for the "shun" sound.
      2. If the word ends in "t", remove the "t" and add "-tion".
      3. If the word ends in "te", remove the "te" and add "-tion".
      4. If the word ends in "e" or "y", remove the "e" or "y" and add "-ition".
      5. How to spell the curriculum words: competition, mention and position.

      Keywords

      • 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

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

      • Abstract noun - a type of noun that names an idea or quality that cannot be seen

      Common misconception

      Children may struggle to know which /shun/ spelling to use.

      If needed, refer back to the Year 4 content where the /shun/ spellings are introduced initially. Emphasise that -tion is the 'best bet' and most common spelling and use that as the focus for the lesson.

      Teacher tip

      When adding the suffix -tion, the spelling of the root word sometimes changes beyond just the ending of it, such as dropping the 'i' in explain to explanation. Explicitly say and define each root word together and discuss the linked meaning when adding -tion.

      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.
      The words 'grumpiness', 'equality' and 'education' are what type of noun?

      common noun
      proper noun
      Correct answer: abstract noun

      Q2.
      Match the root word to the noun formed with the suffix -ness.

      Correct Answer:sad,sadness

      sadness

      Correct Answer:happy,happiness

      happiness

      Correct Answer:awful,awfulness

      awfulness

      Q3.
      Match the word to the suffix it contains.

      Correct Answer:education,-tion

      -tion

      Correct Answer:equality,-ity

      -ity

      Correct Answer:darkness,-ness

      -ness

      Q4.
      Match the word to the word class. The suffixes will help you.

      Correct Answer:luxurious,adjective

      adjective

      Correct Answer:equality,noun

      noun

      Correct Answer:summarise,verb

      verb

      Q5.
      What word class is the word in bold in this sentence. Education is extremely important.

      Correct answer: noun
      verb
      adjective

      Q6.
      Select all the words with the /shun/ sound at the end.

      shop
      Correct answer: passion
      Correct answer: musician
      special
      Correct answer: action

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the root word to the related noun ending in -tion.

      Correct Answer:educate,education

      education

      Correct Answer:found,foundation

      foundation

      Correct Answer:compete,competition

      competition

      Q2.
      What rule is used when 'imagine' becomes 'imagination' when the suffix -ation is added?

      Just add the suffix.
      Correct answer: Remove ‘e’, then add the suffix.
      Remove ‘ate’, then add -ation.

      Q3.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. What an incredible invenshun!

      Correct Answer: invention

      Q4.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. I looked at the painting with admireation.

      Correct Answer: admiration

      Q5.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. I hate the polushun in the city.

      Correct Answer: pollution

      Q6.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. I do not read French. I need a tranzlayshun.

      Correct Answer: translation

      To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Using the suffix -tion to represent /shun/, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...