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Spelling:  Unstressed Vowels 01
The 'e' in 'carpet' sounds exactly the same as the 'a' in 'zebra'.

Spelling: Unstressed Vowels 01

Some vowels in words are quiet or hidden. This KS2 English quiz helps pupils recognise and spell words that contain unstressed vowels.

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Fascinating Fact:

In the word “chocolate,” most people only pronounce two syllables, leaving the middle vowel on a break.

In KS2 English, pupils learn about unstressed vowels, which are letters that are written but not clearly heard when we say a word. Knowing where they appear helps improve spelling, as words like separate, interest, and family can sound different when spoken quickly.

  • Vowel: A letter representing a speech sound made without blocking the mouth, such as a, e, i, o, or u.
  • Unstressed Vowel: A vowel that is not strongly pronounced in a word, often making spelling more difficult.
  • Syllable: A single unit of sound in a word, usually containing a vowel.
What is an unstressed vowel?

An unstressed vowel is a vowel sound that is not clearly heard when a word is spoken. It is softer or weaker than the other sounds in the word.

Why are unstressed vowels hard to spell?

They are tricky because they do not sound the same as they look. Words like interest or separate can be confusing because the middle vowel sound is quiet.

How can I spot an unstressed vowel?

Say the word slowly and listen for sounds that almost disappear. Then check a dictionary or spelling list to see which vowels are written but not stressed.

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1 .
Not the same as something else.
Diffrent
Different
Diffirent
Differint
'To differ' means 'to disagree', which might be easier to remember - add '-ent' for 'different' or '-ence' for 'difference'.
2 .
Another word for essential.
Necessary
Necissery
Necessery
Necissary
Water is essential, or necessary, for life.
3 .
A book or other resource in which you can find words and their meanings arranged alphabetically.
Dictioniry
Dicshunery
Dictionery
Dictionary
A dictionary is a very handy thing to own.
4 .
A feeling of wanting to know about something; also, to your own advantage - it will be in your own ____.
intirust
inturist
interest
intrest
If you can remember the two 'e's in 'interest', you'll also be able to spell 'interesting' and 'interested'.
5 .
A room or a building in which books are kept; a place where books can be borrowed.
Libury
Libry
Liberry
Library
A librarian works in a library.
6 .
The refusal to go along with something.
Resistance
Resistence
Risistence
Risistance
The endings, '-ance' and '-ence', can be tricky to remember.
7 .
To think of something from the past, or something which had been forgotten.
Rumember
Remembir
Remember
Rember
Thinking of 're-' and 'member' can help you remember.
8 .
A spoken or written account of something or someone.
Descreption
Descripshun
Description
Discription
Remember that 'description' comes from 'describe' - both share a 'de-' prefix.
9 .
Something that is by itself; not joined with anything.
Seperate
Sepiret
Sepirete
Separate
Some people like to remember that there is 'a rat' in 'separate'.
10 .
Something which shows the days, weeks and months of a year.
Calinder
Calendar
Calindar
Calendir
You might think it should be 'calender' but it's not!
You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Silent letters and unstressed vowels

Author:  Sheri Smith (PhD English Literature, English Teacher & Quiz Writer)

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