Spelling: Homophones

Here are some comments from examiners who have marked the writing exam:

Errors in the spelling of homophones also remained very common, particularly, “there/their”, “witch /which”, “hole / whole”, “lose/loose”, “to/too” and “you’re/your”. There was also much confusion over the correct use of “of” and “off”. Some candidates continued to conflate words eg “alot”, “aswell”, “gonna” and “wonna”.

Here are some exercises which will help you with spelling. (Sorry, some of them are written for children, but I think you will find them useful.)

1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/game/en21watc-game-paris-word
2. http://www.teachingandlearningresources.co.uk/homophones.shtml
3. http://www.teachingandlearningresources.co.uk/homophones2.shtml
4. http://www.teachingandlearningresources.co.uk/homophones3.shtml
5. http://www.teachingandlearningresources.co.uk/homophones4.shtml

Everyday English: Types of writing

Here are the five different types of text you may be asked to write in the exam and the key layout features for each text:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5X7HCGNCa_6Zmt5Uy1TX1dvMnc/view?usp=sharing

Linking words

Here are some websites where you can practise using different linking words:

1. http://www.english-grammar.at/online_exercises/connectives/con001-linking-words.htm
2. http://www.english-in-chester.co.uk/e-learning/lesson/linking-words/