Homophones and Homographs — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The new rule will effect every Grade 4 student in our school.
Corrected: The new rule will affect every Grade 4 student in our school.
In Grade 4 writing, use affect as the action verb that describes how the rule influences students.
2. Fix the sentence:
Everyone came to the Grade 4 picnic accept Mia, who was sick.
Corrected: Everyone came to the Grade 4 picnic except Mia, who was sick.
Mia is being excluded from the group, so Grade 4 writers should choose except.
3. Fix the sentence:
Our Grade 4 principle gave a speech about kindness during assembly.
Corrected: Our Grade 4 principal gave a speech about kindness during assembly.
The school leader is the principal, a person, not principle, an idea — a key Grade 4 distinction.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Grade 4 students should know whether to bring a coat depending on the weather forecast.
Whether signals a decision between two options in a Grade 4 sentence.
2. Who's going to present our science project to the Grade 4 class tomorrow morning.
Who's expands to who is, which fits this Grade 4 sentence about a person presenting.
3. Loud noise can affect a student's ability to concentrate in a Grade 4 classroom.
Affect works as a verb here, describing how noise influences concentration in Grade 4.
4. Honesty is a guiding principle that every Grade 4 student should follow each day.
A principle is a moral rule, which matches honesty in this Grade 4 example.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Explain the difference between affect and effect, and use each word correctly in a Grade 4 sentence.
Sample answer: Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence, while effect is usually a noun meaning a result. For example: Rain can affect our recess plans. The effect of studying is a better Grade 4 test score.
Showing both meanings in clear sentences proves Grade 4 mastery of this tricky homophone pair.
2. Why is it important for Grade 4 writers to know the difference between accept and except?
Sample answer: Accept means to receive or agree to something, but except means to leave out or exclude. Grade 4 writers must choose carefully so readers know whether someone is included or excluded from a group or idea.
Mixing these words confuses meaning, so Grade 4 students need to pick the correct homophone.