KS3 spelling words beginning at ex

Spelling Quiz - Words beginning with ex... (Questions)

This KS3 spelling quiz explores tricky words beginning with ex-. Practise splitting them into syllables, checking meanings and choosing the correct spelling to boost your confidence in English.

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Fascinating Fact:

In example, exam and exercise the ex- is followed by a vowel. Say ex-am-ple, ex-am, ex-er-cise in syllables so you keep the ex- pattern clear.

In KS3 English Spelling, pupils meet many words that begin with ex-, such as example, exercise and extreme. They learn that ex- is a common prefix, often linked to meanings like “out of” or “former”, and they practise using syllables, patterns and context to choose the correct spelling in their written work.

Key Terms

Prefix: A group of letters added to the start of a word, like ex-, which changes or adds to the meaning.
Syllable: A beat in a word, for example ex-am-ple has three syllables you can clap out.
Spelling pattern: A letter sequence that appears in several words, such as ex- at the beginning of many English words.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What does the prefix ex- mean in English words?

The prefix ex- can mean “out of”, “from” or “former”. For example, an exit is a way out, and an ex-headteacher is someone who used to be the headteacher.

How can I stop confusing similar ex- words like example and exam?

Link each word to a clear meaning and sentence, then say the syllables slowly. For instance, example is a model to copy, while an exam is a formal test in school.

What is the best way to revise KS3 spellings with ex-?

Make a short list of ex- words, read them aloud, cover them and rewrite from memory. Checking straight away and correcting any errors helps the spellings stick.

Try These Related Quizzes

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A portion of a book or document, incorporated distinctly in another work

[ ]	exstrakt
[ ]	extract
[ ]	ekstract
[ ]	ecstarct

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A material made of fibres, a textile or cloth

[ ]	fabrik
[ ]	fabbric
[ ]	fabric
[ ]	fabrick

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A feeling or belief that something is true, real, or will happen

[ ]	fayth
[ ]	faith
[ ]	faithe
[ ]	feith

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A literary genre set in a fantastical world, often including non-realistic elements such as magic

[ ]	fantasie
[ ]	fantasy
[ ]	fantersey
[ ]	fantusy

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The second month of the Gregorian calendar

[ ]	Febrary
[ ]	February
[ ]	Febuary
[ ]	Febrouary

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
Pertaining to a feast or feast-day

[ ]	festival
[ ]	festavil
[ ]	festivul
[ ]	festerval

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
'Fresh vegetables are a good source of f------'

[ ]	fyba
[ ]	fibre
[ ]	fiber
[ ]	fyber

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A wide, open space that is usually used to grow crops or to hold farm animals

[ ]	field
[ ]	feald
[ ]	feuld
[ ]	feeld

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
Extremely violent, severe, ferocious or savage

[ ]	fearce
[ ]	fierce
[ ]	feerce
[ ]	feirce

10.

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
Metaphorical, as opposed to literal; using figures; as of the use of 'cats and dogs' in the phrase 'It's raining cats and dogs'

[ ]	figarative
[ ]	figerative
[ ]	figiarative
[ ]	figurative

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Spelling

Spelling Quiz - Words beginning with ex... (Answers)

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A portion of a book or document, incorporated distinctly in another work

[ ]	exstrakt
[x]	extract
[ ]	ekstract
[ ]	ecstarct

You can think of this word as ex- plus "tract"

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A material made of fibres, a textile or cloth

[ ]	fabrik
[ ]	fabbric
[x]	fabric
[ ]	fabrick

If you can spell "fabric", you'll also be able to spell "fabricate"

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A feeling or belief that something is true, real, or will happen

[ ]	fayth
[x]	faith
[ ]	faithe
[ ]	feith

Remember the ai digraph used to spell this monosyllabic word

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A literary genre set in a fantastical world, often including non-realistic elements such as magic

[ ]	fantasie
[x]	fantasy
[ ]	fantersey
[ ]	fantusy

In the past, before being used to designate a literary genre, this word was also spelled as "phantasy"

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The second month of the Gregorian calendar

[ ]	Febrary
[x]	February
[ ]	Febuary
[ ]	Febrouary

Do you remember having any difficulty learning how to spell "February" as a young child?

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
Pertaining to a feast or feast-day

[x]	festival
[ ]	festavil
[ ]	festivul
[ ]	festerval

The root of the word "festival" means "feast". Watch out for the a of the unstressed final syllable

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
'Fresh vegetables are a good source of f------'

[ ]	fyba
[x]	fibre
[ ]	fiber
[ ]	fyber

Although correct in other forms of English, "fiber" is not correct in the UK

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A wide, open space that is usually used to grow crops or to hold farm animals

[x]	field
[ ]	feald
[ ]	feuld
[ ]	feeld

A case of the "i before e" rule being useful!