11+ 11Plus-Help
SchoolsTopicsStage 2 guideSign inGet started

Topics / English

English: spelling

Spelling questions test common patterns, tricky words and homophones. Learning the rule behind a spelling is faster and more reliable than memorising single words.

What is tested

  • Common prefixes, suffixes and doubling rules
  • Homophones (their/there/they're, affect/effect)
  • Tricky words and silent letters

Worked example

Which is correct: 'necessary' or 'neccessary'?

  1. Remember 'one collar (c), two sleeves (s)'.
  2. The word has one c and two s: necessary.

Answer: necessary

Exam-day checklist

  • Use a memory hook for each tricky word.
  • For adding -ing/-ed, ask if the vowel is short and the last letter single (run → running).
  • Check homophones by meaning, not sound.
  • Say the word in syllables.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing the spelling that looks familiar rather than checking the rule.
  • Dropping the doubled letter (beginning).
  • Mixing up 'its' and 'it's'.

Try it yourself

1. Complete: 'The dog wagged ___ tail.' (its / it's)

Show answer

its

'Its' shows possession; 'it's' means 'it is'.

2. Add -ing to 'begin'.

Show answer

beginning

A short vowel before a single final consonant doubles the consonant.

Practise english: spelling with school-style questions

Create a free account for topic-by-topic practice, timed mocks in your target school's format, and a weekly report on what to focus on next.

Create an accountSee school formats

More topic guides

Ratio and proportionPercentages, fractions and decimalsAlgebra: equations and sequencesProbabilityVerbal reasoning: codesVerbal reasoning: logic and orderingNon-verbal reasoning: sequences and matricesEnglish: inference and comprehensionArithmeticNumber and place valueFractionsDecimalsProportionNumber sequencesGeometry: angles and shapesMeasurementTimeMoneyAveragesData handlingMulti-step problemsWorded problems3D shapes: volume and surface areaCoordinates and translationsSpeed, distance and timeVenn and Carroll diagramsEnglish: grammarEnglish: punctuationEnglish: vocabularyEnglish: editing and proofreadingEnglish: comprehensionEnglish: comparing two textsEnglish: paragraph ordering and cohesionEnglish: register and purposeEnglish: deductionEnglish: sentence completionEnglish: contextEnglish: word relationshipsEnglish: literary understandingEnglish: creative writingShuffled sentencesClauses: main, subordinate and relativeVerbal reasoning: analogiesVerbal reasoning: classificationVerbal reasoning: letter and word sequencesVerbal reasoning: word relationshipsVerbal reasoning: hidden wordsVerbal reasoning: compound wordsVerbal reasoning: letter patternsMove a letterInsert a letterAnagrams and word laddersLetter and symbol sumsNon-verbal reasoning: transformationsNon-verbal reasoning: rotationsNon-verbal reasoning: reflectionsNon-verbal reasoning: symmetryNon-verbal reasoning: spatial reasoningNon-verbal reasoning: analogiesNon-verbal reasoning: paper foldingNon-verbal reasoning: cube netsNon-verbal reasoning: odd one outPlans and elevations (3D views)Shape assemblyTime management in the examEliminating incorrect optionsIdentifying distractorsChecking your workReading questions carefullySkipping and returning to questionsWorking under pressureHandling unfamiliar questions

11Plus-Help - adaptive 11+ practice and school-specific mock exams for Greater London grammar schools.

Schools · Topics · Stage 2 guide · Privacy · Terms · Create an account

Practice materials are original and independently produced. They are not official school papers and do not guarantee admission. School arrangements can change; parents should check each school’s current admissions information.