Spelling and word formation

What this topic covers

Many “choose the correct word” questions test spelling: the options differ by one letter or sign. Word formation (adding prefixes and suffixes, or changing a word from one part of speech to another) is tested the same way.

How to prepare

• Keep a list of Russian words you often misspell and revise it.
• Learn the common prefixes and suffixes of Russian and how they change meaning or part of speech.
• Read carefully edited texts: seeing correct spellings often fixes them in memory.

Exam tip

When options differ only in spelling, read each one slowly. The one that looks “most familiar” from good reading is usually right.