Male in beige top: A lot of words are difficult to learn because they sound the same but they're totally different, like there and their.
Here and hear and where and wear.
Words like that, that sound actually the same, but mean totally different things.
Female in orange top: You've got the bear, which is the furry bear and then you've got the woman who bare, is all bare.
B-E-A-R is normal bear, which is your grrr.
And then you've got the bare, which is B-A-R-E.
Male in brown suit: A more specific council example is in terms of the word councillor, as elected member, rather than a counsellor who might give advice and support in a coaching capacity.
Female with blond hair: Two of the words that I struggle with on a daily basis are complimentary and complementary.
Complimentary with an I, as in a free cup of coffee or complementary with an E, as in their handbag goes with their outfit.
It's important to take extra care when spelling words which sound similar. These are called homophones. Examples include ‘their’ and ‘there’.
Quick tips for tutors
Words to watch out for includes:
- Silent letters
- Homophones
- Word endings -tion, -cian, -sion
- Words that look similar
Downloadable Factsheets
Entry 1 & 2 - Words with a silent 'k'
Examples of words beginning with a silent 'k'.
Entry 3 - Identifying words that sound the same
How to identify words that sound the same.
Entry 3 - Silent letters
Reviewing a range of words illustrating the use of nine silent letters.
Downloadable Worksheets
Entry 3 - Silent letter crossword
A crossword activity using words with silent letters.
Entry 3 - Words that sound the same
Exercise in using homophones to write sentences.
Level 1 - Practising word endings
Exercise in choosing the right word endings.
