Spelling Patterns — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Which word is spelled correctly?
A) fright
B) frite
C) frighte
D) frihgt
Fright follows the -ight spelling pattern, just like night, light, and might. It means a sudden feeling of fear.
2. What happens to the word "hop" when you add -ing?
A) hoping
B) hopeing
C) hopping
D) hpping
When a short vowel word ends in a single consonant, you double the consonant before adding -ing. Hop becomes hopping.
3. Which word uses the -tion suffix correctly?
A) polluton
B) pollushion
C) pollution
D) pollucion
Pollution uses the -tion spelling pattern and means harmful substances in the environment.
4. What is the correct spelling when you add the prefix un- to "do"?
A) undoe
B) undo
C) un-doo
D) undoo
The prefix un- means 'not' or 'reverse.' Adding un- to do makes undo, meaning to reverse the action.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The magician performed an incredible trick at the spotlight show. (-ight pattern)
Spotlight contains the -ight spelling pattern within the word light. It means a bright beam of light.
2. She taught her little brother how to tie his shoes. (teach → past tense, not a doubling word)
Taught is the past tense of teach. It has an unusual spelling pattern with the 'aught' combination.
3. The hazardous weather made it hard to see the road. (-ous word)
Hazardous uses the -ous suffix, meaning 'full of hazard' or 'dangerous.'
4. We need to reread the story before turning it in. (prefix re- + read)
The prefix re- means 'again.' Adding re- to read makes reread, meaning to read again.
5. He was clapping when he dropped the glass on the floor. (clap → double p + -ing)
When a short vowel word ends in a single consonant, you double the consonant before adding -ing. Clap becomes clapping.