Homophones, homographs & confusables

Resources that focus on one of more of the following word categories.
Homophones (words that sound the same but are spelled differently, e.g. there, they''re and their). Homographs (words that are spelled the same but pronounced differently, e.g. bow, moped, invalid). Other confusables (e.g. where & were, of & have).

Lists 30 pairs of common homophones (not to all be used at once!) with plenty of ideas on using them in spelling, sentence and discussion work.

Level
Level 1
English
Homophones, homographs & confusables
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies

Celebrating Diwali cleverly combines details about the Hindu festival with information on the common homophones: there – their – they’re.

Level
Level 1
English
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies
Homophones, homographs & confusables
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond

When or Went? was written for students who confuse these two words in their writing. Suitable for E2-3 or dyslexia support at any level. Includes a wide selection of exercises and tips.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
Homophones, homographs & confusables
Rw/E2.1
Ww/E2.1
AL Ww/E3.1 Spell common words
General
Dyslexia support

A topical comprehension activity based on a 2008 BBC news report. Writing task, comprehension questions, anagrams and homophone work.

Level
Level 1
English
Homophones, homographs & confusables
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts
Rt/L1.3
Adult Literacy: writing composition (Wt)
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies
Context
News, Politics & Government items

A topical comprehension activity based on a 2007 BBC news report. Proof reading (misspelt homophones) and comprehension questions.

Level
Level 1
English
Homophones, homographs & confusables
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts
Rt/L1.3
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies
Context
Education and teaching
Health, Social care, Early years

A great auditory slant to there/their/they’re and to/two/too. You must listen carefully to a sentence and then select the correct homophone. Short, sweet and very good because it forces the students to focus on the meaning of the word in the sentence.

A Flash interactive activity that runs in your browser (and you will need speakers).

To run the quiz unzip the files (select “Extract all files”) into a new folder and click on homophone_match.html. Do not try to run directly from the zip folder or you will not see all the graphics or hear the audio.

Level
Level 1
English
Homophones, homographs & confusables
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies

A 16 piece triangular jigsaw puzzle where common homophones must be matched to the correct sentence. Use as an ice breaker or plenary activity – great for pairs or small groups. Guaranteed to create promote discussion as learners solve puzzle (best laminated). As usual with Tarsia puzzles, you can choose to print a standard or large puzzle (select Output – large, i.e. 3 pieces per A4 sheet).

Level
Level 1
English
Homophones, homographs & confusables
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies

Homophones wordsearch is a challenging way to check learner’s knowledge of this tricky topic. First they must work out the homophones of listed words and then find them in the puzzle. Makes a good extension or revision activity.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Homophones, homographs & confusables
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies
AL Ww/L2.1 Spell technical words

Helps avoid confusion about these common homophones.

Level
Level 1
English
Homophones, homographs & confusables
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies

A great way to encourage proof reading and correct use of homophones and other confusables. Ideal for paired work.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Homophones, homographs & confusables
AL Ww/L1.1 Spell & use spelling strategies
AL Ww/L2.1 Spell technical words