Words with Silent Letters and -ture (/tʃər/) Spelling Pattern
Learning to spell words with silent letters and the -ture ending pattern can be challenging for students. This comprehensive list focuses on words that end in -ture, which consistently produces the /tʃər/ sound, like in "picture" and "nature." These words often appear in academic and everyday contexts, making them essential for students to master.
Word List with Silent Letters and -ture Ending
- picture
- lecture
- fracture
- structure
- capture
- rapture
- culture
- vulture
- gesture
- pasture
- mixture
- fixture
- texture
- venture
- feature
- creature
- torture
- moisture
- nature
- future
- stature
- sculpture
- adventure
- departure
- furniture
- signature
- temperature
Educational Significance and Common Core Alignment
These spelling words align with several Common Core Standards. The primary standards addressed include:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2.F: Use spelling patterns and generalizations (e.g., word families, position-based spellings, syllable patterns, ending rules, meaningful word parts) in writing words.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.D: Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.
These standards are particularly relevant because the -ture pattern represents a consistent spelling rule that students can learn and apply. Understanding this pattern helps students recognize and correctly spell words with the /tʃər/ sound, building their orthographic knowledge and spelling competency.
Teaching Strategies
When teaching these words, it's helpful to break them down into their component parts. The -ture ending is a stable pattern that consistently represents the /tʃər/ sound. Many of these words are derived from Latin roots, and understanding their etymology can help students remember their spellings and meanings. For example, "structure" comes from the Latin "structura," meaning "a fitting together."
Practice and Assessment
Regular practice with these words through various activities helps reinforce proper spelling. Students can benefit from: * Writing sentences using these words in context * Creating word families based on the -ture pattern * Identifying root words and discussing how adding -ture changes their meaning * Understanding related words (e.g., picture → pictorial, culture → cultural)
Create a worksheet using words from this list
Why These Words Matter
These -ture words are frequently encountered in academic and professional contexts. They represent an important spelling pattern that students will continue to use throughout their academic careers and adult lives. Many of these words also form the basis for more complex vocabulary through the addition of suffixes (e.g., cultural, structural, natural).
Remember that consistent practice and exposure to these words in meaningful contexts will help students internalize both their spellings and their meanings, leading to improved writing and reading comprehension skills.