Instructions
This worksheet focuses on the CK Spelling Rule. This rule helps you decide whether to end a word with -ck or just -k when you hear the /k/ sound.
THE CK RULE: Use -ck immediately following a single, short vowel sound (like the /a/ in cat, /e/ in bed, /i/ in pig, /o/ in dog, or /u/ in cup). If the /k/ sound follows a consonant, a long vowel, or two vowels, use -k instead.
- Review the rule carefully.
- Complete the exercises below, paying close attention to the sound directly before the final /k/.
- Attempt the Challenge Questions for extra credit.
Section 1: Identify the Vowel Sound (Scaffolding)
In the table below, determine the vowel sound that comes immediately before the final /k/ sound. If it is a short vowel, the word uses -ck. If it is a long vowel, two vowels, or a consonant, it uses -k.
| Word | Vowel Before /k/ | Short (S) or Long/Other (L) | Uses -ck or -k? (Example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sock | O | S | -ck |
| Milk | I | L (Follows consonant L) | -k |
| Peak | EA | L (Vowel Team) | -k |
| Back | |||
| Desk | |||
| Pick | |||
| Book | |||
| Seek |
Section 2: Complete the Word (Application)
For each word fragment, add the correct ending (-ck or -k) to complete the word based on the CK Rule.
| Fragment | Vowel Sound | Correct Ending | Complete Word (Example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tra... | Short A | -ck | Track |
| Roc... | Short O | ||
| Fri... | Short I | ||
| Sti... | Short I | ||
| Tal... | Consonant L | ||
| Chee... | Vowel Team EE | ||
| Pac... | Short A |
Section 3: Proofreading and Justification (Advanced Practice)
Read the sentences below. Circle the word that is spelled incorrectly according to the CK Rule. Then, write the correct spelling and briefly explain why it is wrong, referring to the vowel sound.
-
The large treck was over steep mountain trails.
- Incorrect Word:
- Correct Spelling:
- Justification (Why is it -ck or -k?):
-
The farmer gave a sharp kick to the bucket.
- Incorrect Word:
- Correct Spelling:
- Justification (Why is it -ck or -k?):
-
We used chalk to mare a path on the sidewalk.
- Incorrect Word:
- Correct Spelling:
- Justification (Why is it -ck or -k?):
Section 4: Real-World Writing Challenge
Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) describing a day at the park. You must use at least four words that end with -ck and at least two words that end with -k.
Target Words (Suggested: neck, block, luck, rock, look, sneak)
(Use the space below for your paragraph.)
Answer Key
Section 1: Identify the Vowel Sound
| Word | Vowel Before /k/ | Short (S) or Long/Other (L) | Uses -ck or -k? (Example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sock | O | S | -ck |
| Milk | I | L (Follows consonant L) | -k |
| Peak | EA | L (Vowel Team) | -k |
| Back | A | S | -ck |
| Desk | E | L (Follows consonant S) | -k |
| Pick | I | S | -ck |
| Book | OO | L (Vowel Team) | -k |
| Seek | EE | L (Vowel Team) | -k |
Section 2: Complete the Word
| Fragment | Vowel Sound | Correct Ending | Complete Word (Example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tra... | Short A | -ck | Track |
| Roc... | Short O | -ck | Rock |
| Fri... | Short I | -ck | Frick (Note: If aiming for Flick, it would be -ck; if aiming for Frik, it would be -ck) |
| Sti... | Short I | -ck | Stick |
| Tal... | Consonant L | -k | Talk |
| Chee... | Vowel Team EE | -k | Cheek |
| Pac... | Short A | -ck | Pack |
Section 3: Proofreading and Justification
-
The large treck was over steep mountain trails.
- Incorrect Word: treck
- Correct Spelling: trek
- Justification: The vowel sound is a short E, but it is often an exception (trek, check) or uses -k in modern English (especially loans). Note: While historically the short E should use -ck, common usage favors 'trek' or 'check' as exceptions, making 'trek' the expected answer for common vocabulary.
-
The farmer gave a sharp kick to the bucket.
- Incorrect Word: kick (This word is correct, testing the rule application. Assume the instruction required finding the intended error or the one that looks wrong.) Correction: Let's assume the error was 'kik' for this key, as the word 'kick' is correctly spelled. (Revising assumption: If the student found no error in Kick, they are correct.)
-
We used chalk to marek a path on the sidewalk.
- Incorrect Word: marek (Intended to be 'mark')
- Correct Spelling: mark
- Justification: The /k/ sound follows the consonant R, so only -k is needed.
(Note for 2: Assuming the original sentence was correct to check if the student correctly identified it as following the rule: Kick is correct because the short I is followed immediately by -ck.)