Spelling - Part 1
Contents

Part 1

SPELLING TIPS
KEEPING A PERSONAL SPELLING LIST
USING COMPUTER SPELL CHECKERS
USING DICTIONARIES AND THESAURUSES
SPELLING RULES - PATTERNS

Part 2

OTHER STRATEGIES FOR BEING A GOOD SPELLER
SPELLING USING VISUAL INFORMATION
SPELLING USING AUDITORY INFORMATION
SPELLING USING KINAESTHETIC MNEMONICS (MEMORY JOGS)
LOOK-SAY-COVER-WRITE-CHECK TECHNIQUE

Some people are naturally good spellers. Most of us worry about our spelling but realise that correct spelling is really only vital when we are writing final copies of assignments and other important 'public' documents.

Even the most experienced writers use a dictionary or ask for help when they are writing something where it's important to be correct. A good dictionary, thesaurus or the computer spell check are invaluable but not always available or easy to use.

Here are some suggestions and strategies to help you to improve your spelling skills.

We've also included some links to other sites that you might find useful.

 
SPELLING TIPS

The most important thing to remember about spelling is that it's a skill you learn by writing and seeing the words on the page. Hearing the sounds is not as useful as you might think as there are so many ways of writing the same sound. For example, ate and eight

Always have a go at spelling. Don't substitute an easier word if it doesn't say exactly what you want. Have a guess at the spelling and fix it up later when your thoughts are on the paper.

Don't worry about your spelling all the time. Whenever possible, write a first draft. Don't worry about spelling until your draft is finished. You will lose your train of thought if you stop frequently to look up words.

Focus on the flow and meaning of your writing. Edit your work and check your spelling at the end.

Proofread your writing after you have written a first draft. As you edit your draft, underline the parts of the word that look wrong. Try out alternative spellings and then check the dictionary.

When correcting words, correct the whole word, not just the wrong bits. This helps to imprint the correct spelling in your memory.

 
KEEPING A PERSONAL SPELLING LIST

You are more likely to remember how to spell words which are important to you personally.

Don't try to learn words you'll never use. Concentrate on those words you'll need in your study rather than learning lists of words out of context.

Use an alphabetical notebook (like an address book found at most newsagents) to record spellings that you have trouble with or that are of interest to you. Focus on words you use often in your study area.

Keep your spelling notebook with you all the time. Refer to it when you are writing your final copies.

If you would like to learn the words before you enter them in your notebook use the LOOK-SAY-COVER -WRITE- CHECK TECHNIQUE.

 
USING COMPUTER SPELL CHECKERS

The computer can't detect that read and lion are not correctly spelt in this context.

Computer spell checkers will also highlight unfamiliar spelling as errors e.g. a person's name such as Vladimir or Quong.

 
USING DICTIONARIES AND THESAURUSES

There are some great dictionaries and thesauruses online to use as spelling references.
These are quite easy to use and worthwhile bookmarking (adding to your favourites list) for easy reference.

Here are some links:

Merriam-Webster OnLine dictionary

Other recommended dictionary sites

If you'd like some exercises in using dictionaries and thesauruses, try these.

 
SPELLING RULES - PATTERNS

There are some 'rules' in English spelling like:

• i comes before e except after c. as in receive

• For plurals of words ending with a consonant + y, change the y to i and add es.
  

However there are lots of exceptions and some people find learning "rules'' difficult and frustrating.

Spelling rules are descriptions of what often happens and it might be better to call these 'patterns' rather than rules.

If you think learning more spelling 'rules' or 'patterns' might work for you have a look at Capital Community College's Guide to spelling.

[On to Part 2]