2. Investigating spelling rules for the suffixes -tion, -sion and -ssion.

3. A suffix is a group of letters that comes at the end of a word. They change the meaning of words. Knowing the rules for suffixes can help us to understand and spell words better. What is a suffix?

4. The suffixes –tion, -sion, -ssion and –cian all make a ‘shun’ sound. Certain rules are helpful when choosing the correct ending to put at the end of a root word. Suffixes

5. The suffix –tion means ‘the act of’. For instance, digestion means ‘the act of digesting’. This is the most common ‘shun’ ending. Suffix -tion

6. -tion is the most common ‘shun’ suffix. subtract+ tion Subtract complete+ tion comple tetion Can you see what is happening ? If a word ends in an t or te you must drop the t or te before adding ‘tion’. Suffix -tion

7. Have a go at adding ‘tion’ to these words in your books. invent invention inject injection hesitate hesitation complete completion Did you get them right ? Well done ! direct direction create creation Finished? Put some of these words into sentences in your books.

8. The suffix –ssion means ‘the result of’. For example, impression means the ‘result of impressing’. Usually a verb needs to change its ending before the suffix is added. Suffix -ssion

9. -ssion is used when the root word ends in -ss or -mit. discuss+ ssion discu ss omit + ssion omit ssion Can you see what is happening ? If a word ends in ss just add –ssion. If the word ends in mit you must drop the t from mit before adding ‘ssion’. Suffix -ssion

10. Have a go at adding ‘ssion’ to these words in your books. discuss discussion confess confession transmit transmission emit emission Did you get them right ? Well done ! obsess obsession permit permission Finished? Put some of these words into sentences in your books.

11. The suffix –sion means ‘the state of’. For example, conclusion means the ‘result of concluding’. There are about 50 words in common use that end in –sion. Most verbs change their endings in order to add the suffix. Suffix -sion

12. -sion is used when the root word ends in - se or –d, -de, -l, -r, -s or -t. precise+ sion preci se extend + sion exten d sion Can you see what is happening ? If a word ends in se just remove the se and add –sion. If the word ends in –d, -de, -l, -r, -s or -t you must drop the letter and add ‘sion’. Suffix -sion

13. Have a go at adding ‘sion’ to these words in your books. tense tension expand expansion invade invasion confuse confusion Did you get them right ? Well done ! explode explosion precise precision Finished? Put some of these words into sentences in your books.

14. With any spelling rules there are always exceptions and some words that end in ‘shun’ just need to be learnt. Always check with a dictionary when you are unsure. Some familiar exception words include cushion, fashion, Asian, Russian and ocean. Exceptions

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