Spelling Error-Spot
Spelling Error-Spot is an 11+ English task where pupils read sentences or a short passage and identify a word that has been spelled incorrectly, then write the correct spelling. It tests knowledge of common spelling rules and frequently misspelled words, and appears as a SPaG section on GL Assessment and CSSE-style entrance papers.
Before you start
No specific prerequisites - this is a good place to start.
Method
- Read each sentence at a normal pace first; misspelled words often 'look wrong' even before you can explain why.
- Check words against common spelling rules, such as 'i before e except after c', doubling a final consonant before adding '-ing' or '-ed', and changing 'y' to 'i' before adding a suffix.
- Watch closely for commonly confused homophones (there/their/they're, its/it's, affect/effect), which spellcheckers often miss.
- Be extra careful with words that have silent letters (such as 'necessary' or 'rhythm') or double letters (such as 'accommodate' or 'embarrassed').
- Once you have found the error, write out the corrected word in full and check it against the rule you used, rather than just guessing.
- If a whole passage is given, work through it methodically line by line rather than scanning randomly, so you do not miss an error.
Worked example
Find the misspelled word in this sentence and write the correct spelling: 'Priya was suprised to learn that her essay had been chosen for the school magazine.'
- Read the sentence carefully, checking each word, especially longer or less common ones.
- 'chosen', 'magazine' and 'essay' all follow regular, familiar spelling patterns and look correct.
- 'suprised' is missing a letter: the correct spelling has two r's after the p, s-u-r-p-r-i-s-e-d.
- Say the word aloud in syllables (sur-prised) to check every sound is represented by a letter in your corrected spelling.
- Final answer: suprised should be spelled surprised.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Find the misspelled word in this sentence and write the correct spelling: 'The librarian was extremely helpfull when Ahmed could not find his book.' (2 marks)
Read this sentence: 'Its important to check your enviroment before beginning an experiment.' Identify both misspelled words, write their correct spellings, and give one reason that explains one of your corrections. (3 marks)
Add the correct negative prefix (un-, in-, im-, il- or ir-) to each of these root words and spell the new word correctly: (a) possible (b) legible (c) moral (d) regular (4 marks)
Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the spelling error-spot worksheet pack - 21 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. No sign-up, no email wall - just the PDF, free for personal and classroom use.
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