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Primary English · Year 6Chapter 3 · Silent letters and the statutory word list, part 1
Year 6 English · Silent letters and the statutory word list, part 1 · Lesson 3.5

Year 6 English: Using the words in sentences, and checking them

Part of the Year 6 English silent letters and the statutory word list, part 1 chapter. Chapter overview · whole chapter on one page

3.5

Using the words in sentences, and checking them

Year 6
Use a dictionary to check the spelling and meaning of a word from the list (Y5-6 spelling), Use a word from the list correctly in a sentence (Y5-6 spelling)
Story. Leah is writing a leaflet for the school fair. She uses several words from the list, and she checks each one in a dictionary before she prints the leaflet.

The best way to learn a word is to use it correctly in a sentence. Choose the word whose meaning fits the sentence, then check its spelling letter by letter.

Checking a word

1Read the sentence, and decide what kind of word is missing.

2Choose the list word that fits the meaning.

3Check the double letters and the ending.

4If you are not sure, check the dictionary entry.

Key ideas

  • A word must fit the meaning of the sentence.
  • Check the spelling after you choose the word.
  • A dictionary confirms the spelling and the meaning.
Worked example 3.5.1
Fill in the gap: The school tried to ___ the new pupils, so it made more room in the hall. Write the word from the list.

Method. Read the sentence, then find the word that means provide room for.

  1. Read the sentence. The school made more room, so it wants to provide room.
    made more room
  2. Find the word. To provide room for someone is to accommodate them.
    accommodate
  3. Check the spelling. Accommodate has cc and mm.
    cc and mm
  4. Write the answer.
    accommodate

Check. accommodate fits the sentence and has cc and mm. ✓

Worked example 3.5.2
Fill in the gap: The ___ of the new park met on Monday. Write the word from the list.

Method. Read the sentence, then find the group that makes decisions.

  1. Read the sentence. A group of people who meet to decide things is needed.
    meet on Monday
  2. Find the word. A group of people chosen to make decisions is a committee.
    committee
  3. Check the spelling. Committee has mm, tt and ee.
    mm, tt, ee
  4. Write the answer.
    committee

Check. committee fits the sentence. ✓

Worked example 3.5.3
Fill in the gap: Ben looked up the spelling of the word in the ___. Write the word from the list.

Method. Read the sentence, then find the book that gives meanings.

  1. Read the sentence. Ben used a book to find the spelling.
    looked up the spelling
  2. Find the word. A book that gives the meanings of words is a dictionary.
    dictionary
  3. Check the ending. Dictionary ends in -ary.
    -ary
  4. Write the answer.
    dictionary

Check. dictionary fits the sentence. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a word can be spelt correctly and still not fit the sentence. Check the meaning as well as the spelling.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Read a sentence with a gap aloud, and ask your child to choose the list word that fits. Then ask them to check the spelling on paper.

Exercise 3E  Practice: using the words in sentences

1
FFill in the gap with the correct word from the list: The school council held a meeting, and the ___ decided to paint the hall.
2
FFill in the gap with the correct word from the list: The runners were ___ to win the race, and they trained every day.
3
FFill in the gap with the correct word from the list: A ___ is a book that tells you the meaning of each word.
4
FFill in the gap: The old castle was ___ to the visitors, because it was built long ago. Write the word from the list.
5
PSWrite one sentence using available correctly, about a bicycle for hire.
6
FWrite the word from the list that means to share information with others.
7
FWrite the word from the list that means the surroundings where people, plants and animals live.
8
PSCorrect the spelling in this sentence: The awkard step made the child stumble.
9
RDev says the word conscience is spelt with -cience. Explain why he is wrong, and write the correct spelling.
10
RExplain in one sentence why you should use a dictionary to check a word you have just written.
11
RWhich word is the best answer to this clue: the word that is spelt with a double letter and means the same as a contest between teams? Write the word only.

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