Which word should replace the underlined word? “We stayed inside at recess [becuase] it was raining.”

Use Standard Grammar, Usage, and Spelling to Edit · TELPAS Grades 4–5 writing. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.

Reporting category 2: find and fix an error in a short text. On the real test some of these are typed answers or sentence rewrites. Here they are multiple choice so they can be checked.

The question

Choose the best answer.

Read the sentence. The underlined word has an error. We stayed inside at recess [becuase] it was raining. Which word should replace the underlined word?

• Abecose
• BbecauseCorrect answer
• Cbecaus
• Dbeacuse

Why “because” is correct

This tests spelling of a very common word. "Because" is spelled b-e-c-a-u-s-e. Students often spell it the way it sounds, so it is worth practicing as a sight word. Breaking it into "be" + "cause" helps many students remember it.

Why the other answers are wrong

• becose — This spells the sound of the word but not its letters.
• becaus — This leaves off the silent e at the end.
• beacuse — This mixes up the order of the letters.

Practice more of this

More writing practice for Grades 4–5, or see the TELPAS practice test for 4th and 5th grade.