Essential Spelling Lists

These are lists of the most commonly used words in students' writing. It is important to know these words and be able to write them down accurately.  The lists are compiled by NZCER and are common throughout New Zealand primary schools.

Essential Word Lists

Essential List 1 (10 words – 25% of writing)

a I it the was     and in my to we

Essential List 2 (20 words – 15% of writing)

at had of that up but he on then went

for is she there when got me so they you

Essential List 3 (30 words – 10% of writing)

about be go into our after because going just out

all came have like said are day her mum some

as down his not were back get home one with

Essential List 4 (50 words – 10% of writing)

again do next people time an first night put took

around food no ran two big from now saw us

by good off school very can has old see well

come him only started what could house or their will

dad if other them would did little over this your

Essential List 5 (50 words – 5% of writing)

am door last once through another everyone left play told

away family log really too bed five looked room walked

been found made something want before friend man still way

best fun more thing where brother heard morning think which

called here name thought who car know never three year

Essential List 6 (70 words – 5% of writing)

also cool eyes head jump always dark fell hit knew

asked decided felt how later black dog find inside life

boy eat four its live bus end gave it’s lot

cat even getting I’ll lunch coming every great I’m make

minutes place sister top water most ready sleep town while

much ride suddenly tree why ice right take turned window

opened run tell until woke outside say ten wanted yes

Essential List 7 (60 words – 3% of writing)

any each ground money soon baby ever guard mother stay

bad everything hand myself stop ball face happened new swimming

being fast happy parents tea bit father help picked than

boat few hole playing tried bought finally hot presents under

camp finished hour road wait dead game let side won

died girl look small work doing gone many sometimes world

List 8 - (Commonly Misspelt Words)

allowed centre dollars friends lightning second wasn't

awhile chocolate don't front luckily someone watch

believe clothes everybody grabbed nearly stopped weren't

breakfast couldn't everyday having police straight we're

brought didn't everywhere holidays present they're whole

cannon different excited hopped probably threw won't

can't disappeared favourite hospital quiet tomorrow you're

caught doesn't field instead scared video programme