See free Year 1 common exception words worked examples with clear strategies and answers, aligned to the England primary curriculum.
Model the thinking
Four worked examples
Try each question first, then compare the strategy and answer. The aim is to understand the method, not just copy the final result.
1
Read
Read: the, said, was.
How to think about it: Read the prompt once for meaning and a second time to find the clue that supports the answer. Use the exact word, phrase or event from the text when the question asks for evidence.
Show answer
Answer: the, said, was
2
Choose
Complete: I ___ happy. am / was / said
How to think about it: Read the prompt once for meaning and a second time to find the clue that supports the answer. Use the exact word, phrase or event from the text when the question asks for evidence.
Show answer
Answer: am
3
Spell
Write the word 'said'.
How to think about it: Read the prompt once for meaning and a second time to find the clue that supports the answer. Use the exact word, phrase or event from the text when the question asks for evidence.
Show answer
Answer: said
4
Spot it
Circle the correct spelling: sed / said / sayd.
How to think about it: Read the prompt once for meaning and a second time to find the clue that supports the answer. Use the exact word, phrase or event from the text when the question asks for evidence.
Show answer
Answer: said
Next step
Turn the explanation into practice
Use the printable for independent work, or return to the topic overview to choose another way to practise.