Grade 6 · Reading

6th grade Spell tricky look-alike words worksheet

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Spell tricky look-alike words

Grade 6 Reading Worksheet

NameDate

Circle the best answer.

Read this first
Use this
Milo tested how loud noise can [effect] the growth of a bean plant. The results surprised the judges, who had expected no change.
1.
Esme edits a science report. Which spelling should replace the marked word?
- afect
- effect
- affect
- affected
2.
The mayor asked the [counsel] to vote on the new bike lanes. Several members wanted a longer study first. Jun edits a town report. Which spelling should replace the marked word?
- counsil
- councils
- council
- counsel
3.
The doctor gave Pia good ____ about getting enough sleep. Kira checks the grammar of the sentence first. Which spelling fits the blank?
- advize
- advise
- advices
- advice
4.
The shiny hallway floor created the [allusion] of a puddle, but the floor was perfectly dry. Milo edits a story. Which spelling should replace the marked word?
- illusions
- illusion
- ilusion
- allusion
5.
The [principle] greeted us at the door. Noah explains the check. Tala wrote "The principle greeted us at the door." Which choice fixes it and gives the reason?
- principle, because the sentence needs a rule that guides behavior
- principal, because the sentence needs a rule that guides behavior
- principal, because the sentence needs a person who leads the school
- principle, because the sentence needs a person who leads the school
6.
The town will ____ with the plan only if the ____ approves it. Pia fills both blanks. Which pair fits the sentence?
- precede; counsel
- proceed; counsel
- proceed; council
- precede; council
7.
Kira thanked the coach for the [complement] after practice. The kind words made the tired team smile. Ren edits a note. Which spelling should replace the marked word?
- complement
- compliments
- complament
- compliment
8.
The bike stayed ____ at the red light. Tala explains the check. Which choice gives the right spelling for the blank, and the reason?
- stationery, because the sentence needs a word for paper and envelopes
- stationary, because the sentence needs a word for standing still
- stationery, because the sentence needs a word for standing still
- stationary, because the sentence needs a word for paper and envelopes
9.
Mr. Okafor ____ worked at the bakery, but now he teaches cooking. Zee explains the check. Which choice gives the right spelling for the blank, and the reason?
- formally, because the sentence needs a word for in a polite, serious way
- formerly, because the sentence needs a word for at an earlier time
- formerly, because the sentence needs a word for in a polite, serious way
- formally, because the sentence needs a word for at an earlier time
10.
The hikers saw a [dessert] of sand and rock stretching to the horizon. They packed extra water. Bo edits a travel story. Which spelling should replace the marked word?
- desurt
- desert
- deserts
- dessert

6th grade Spell tricky look-alike words worksheet – printable — Print: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Spell tricky look-alike words. Every version has 10 questions, and the answer key prints on the second page.

What your child will learn

I can tell which of two look-alike words a sentence needs by asking what it must mean and what kind of word it must be.
I can fix a marked word, then reread the whole sentence to check that the swap works.
I can say why a spelling is right, using meaning or grammar, and catch a wrong reason.

Words to know

look-alike (homophone): A word that sounds like another word but means something else

noun / verb: A thing or idea / an action; the sentence's grammar decides which is needed

swap check: Try a replacement, then reread the whole sentence

context: The rest of the sentence or paragraph, which holds the clue

Common mistakes

Your child picked the look-alike partner, a real word with a different meaning. Try asking: what does the sentence need this word to mean?

Your child spelled the word the way it sounds. Try asking: does this spelling match one of the two real words?

Your child picked the right word with the wrong ending. Try asking: does the sentence need one thing or many, now or before?

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with spell tricky look-alike words?

Your child picked the look-alike partner, a real word with a different meaning. Try asking: what does the sentence need this word to mean?

Are these 6th grade reading worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions at each level are free to print, with the answer key, and no account is needed.