Accurate spelling

    AQA
    GCSE

    Accurate spelling constitutes a critical strand of Assessment Objective 6 (AO6), governing technical accuracy in extended writing responses across all major exam boards. Candidates must demonstrate precision in orthography, ranging from high-frequency functional vocabulary to ambitious, polysyllabic terminology. Examiners assess not merely the absence of error, but the successful deployment of complex spelling patterns, including double consonants, unstressed vowels, and irregular plurals, to maintain authority and clarity.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
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    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for the correct spelling of complex, irregular, and ambitious vocabulary, not just high-frequency words
    • Credit the correct application of morphological rules (e.g., suffix addition, doubling consonants, dropping 'e')
    • Penalise consistent errors in basic vocabulary (e.g., 'does', 'goes', 'which', 'separate') more heavily than isolated slips in sophisticated words
    • Assess spelling holistically alongside punctuation and grammar to determine the overall Level (1-4) for AO6

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for the correct spelling of complex, irregular, and ambitious vocabulary, not just high-frequency words
    • Credit the correct application of morphological rules (e.g., suffix addition, doubling consonants, dropping 'e')
    • Penalise consistent errors in basic vocabulary (e.g., 'does', 'goes', 'which', 'separate') more heavily than isolated slips in sophisticated words
    • Assess spelling holistically alongside punctuation and grammar to determine the overall Level (1-4) for AO6

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Allocate 5 minutes specifically for proofreading at the end of Section B to catch errors missed during drafting
    • 💡Utilise the 'Look, Cover, Write, Check' method mentally for known problem words (e.g., 'necessary', 'accommodation')
    • 💡If unsure of a complex word's spelling, attempt it if it elevates the writing, but ensure the root is recognisable; alternatively, select a precise synonym you can spell
    • 💡Check specifically for double consonants and silent letters, as these are frequent discriminators for higher levels

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing homophones (there/their/they're, to/too/two, affect/effect) which undermines the writer's authority
    • Phonetic spelling of polysyllabic words (e.g., 'definately' instead of 'definitely', 'becuase' instead of 'because')
    • Incorrect pluralisation of words ending in 'y' (e.g., 'familys' instead of 'families') or misuse of apostrophes for plurals
    • Failing to proofread, resulting in 'invisible' errors where a correctly spelled word is used in the wrong context (e.g., 'brought' vs 'bought')

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    List four things...
    How does the writer...
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    Write a...

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