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Spelling: Unstressed Vowels
She enjoyed her job at the factory.

Spelling: Unstressed Vowels

Spot hidden vowels in longer words. In 11 Plus English, use word families to choose a, e, i, o, or u and keep spellings accurate.

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Fascinating Fact:

Check word families for clues: please becomes pleasant, magic becomes magician, music becomes musician. The family spelling guides the hidden unstressed vowel.

In 11 Plus English, many longer words contain an unstressed vowel that sounds like a quick uh (schwa). Use base words and families to confirm the correct spelling before you write.

Key Terms

  • Unstressed vowel: A weak vowel sound in a word that is not emphasised, often heard as a quick uh.
  • Schwa: The common weak vowel sound in English, written as &schwa; in dictionaries.
  • Word family: A group of related words that share a base, for example sign, signal, signature.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is an unstressed vowel in spelling?

An unstressed vowel is a weak sound in a syllable that is not emphasised, often sounding like uh. It can be hard to hear which letter to write.

How do I choose the correct vowel when it sounds like schwa?

Find a related word with a clear vowel, for example nation → native, medicine → medical. The family reveals the correct letter.

What quick checks help with unstressed vowels?

Say the base word slowly, look for a family form, clap syllables, and confirm with a reliable dictionary if you are unsure.

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Author:  Frank Evans (Specialist 11 Plus Teacher and Tutor)
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