Spelling Patterns — Answer Key
Part A: Sort the Words
Sort each word or number into the correct category box.
1. Sort each word by the sound the letter c makes.
Soft c (city)
cityfaceice Hard c (cat)
catcupcan Soft c sounds like s and comes before e, i, or y. Hard c sounds like k and comes before a, o, or u.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. We live in a big city with tall buildings.
In city, c is followed by i, so it makes the soft s sound.
2. My little cat likes to drink milk.
In cat, c is followed by a, so it makes the hard k sound.
3. She washed her face with warm water.
In face, c is followed by e, so it makes the soft s sound.
4. I need a cup of hot tea, please.
In cup, c is followed by u, so it makes the hard k sound.
5. The ice on the pond was cold and smooth.
In ice, c is followed by e, so it makes the soft s sound.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. The c in city makes a soft s sound.
True False
C is followed by i in city, so it makes the soft s sound.
2. The c in cat makes a soft s sound.
True False
C is followed by a in cat, so it makes the hard k sound, not a soft sound.
3. The c in cup makes a hard k sound.
True False
C is followed by u in cup, so it makes the hard k sound.
4. The c in face makes a hard k sound.
True False
C is followed by e in face, so it makes the soft s sound, not a hard sound.