21 questions
1st - 3rd Grade
English
The Three Sounds of the Suffix -ed is a free printable English worksheet for students in Grades 1–3. It contains 21 multiple-choice questions in which students identify whether the suffix -ed is pronounced /d/, /t/, or /ed/ in past-tense words such as walked, smiled, waited, and boxed. The repeated choices help learners focus on the sound they hear rather than assuming that -ed always has the same pronunciation. Use this worksheet to reinforce phonics, decoding, and accurate oral reading of words ending in -ed. Students apply their listening and pronunciation skills across examples with all three suffix sounds, making the activity useful for guided practice, independent work, or a quick skills check. The worksheet is available as a free printable PDF and includes a complete answer key for efficient review and grading.
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WorksheetsAnswer Key/t/
/ed/
/d/
/ed/
/d/
/t/
/ed/
/d/
/t/
/d/
/t/
/ed/
/t/
/ed/
/d/
/t/
/d/
/ed/
/t/
/d/
/ed/
This Grade 1–3 English worksheet helps students identify whether -ed sounds like /d/, /t/, or /ed/ in past-tense words. Its 21 multiple-choice items, including words such as walked, waited, smiled, and needed, give students repeated practice distinguishing the spoken ending from its consistent spelling.
First, say several of the worksheet words aloud and have students listen for the ending sound: /d/, /t/, or /ed/. Then model how to choose among the three options before students complete the multiple-choice items independently or with a partner. Review selected words aloud afterward and ask students to explain which ending they heard.
Watch for students choosing /ed/ simply because they see the letters e-d, instead of listening to the word's pronunciation. Students may also confuse the /d/ and /t/ choices, especially in words such as smiled, rubbed, jumped, or boxed. Have them reread the word aloud and compare the final sound with the three answer choices.
You can assign The Three Sounds of the Suffix -ed as a printable PDF or as a digital quiz on Wayground. It includes a complete answer key, and printable submissions can be graded by scanning student work with the Wayground for Teachers app. The printable format can also support schools that are reducing screen time.
Use the worksheet’s Advanced Settings to adjust font spacing or choose a larger font size so the 21 multiple-choice items are easier to follow. You can also enable a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the worksheet into another language when that supports access to the -ed pronunciation practice.
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