Spelling Matters
by
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When we speak to others, we likely slur or omit certain letters; perhaps, for example, we might say accidently instead of accidentally or choclate instead of chocolate.
Slurring or omitting letters when we talk usually doesn’t create a problem because the people we’re talking to can ask us for clarification, and, in addition, our gestures and tone of voice often contribute to what we’re saying. Also, paradoxically, if we slow down our speech to make sure we pronounce every letter in every word distinctly, our communication would likely be frustrating to us as well as to our listeners.
However, when we communicate through writing, we need to include all letters in a word, so we should take the time to pronounce fully each syllable of a word, particularly those that are often slurred or those in which an -e is dropped. Again, you may find the Three-W Steps Method listed in the Introduction (p. 2) helpful for mastering the spelling of those words you find particular challenging. For your convenience, the steps are listed below:
1. WRITE the word in large script;
2. WRITE the word in the air with your eyes shut;
3. WRITE the word on paper; check to make sure you have spelled the word correctly.
Each of the following frequently used words has the part underlined where spelling errors most often appear, and after the word in parentheses is the number of syllables in this word because pronouncing each syllable as you spell the word can contribute to its correct spelling.
Other suggestions relating to the spelling of these words are also included.
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About the Book
In most settings, good spelling is essential for effective communication. What’s more, erratic or unconventional spelling can often leave a poor impression. Though English spelling can be frustrating at times, most people can become above-average or excellent spellers.
Spelling Matters provides a comprehensive, flexible guide for improvement in this skill. It first offers a pre-assessment to identify areas needing particular focus. This serves as a compass to point you to a variety of exercises that effectively reinforce the corresponding lessons until mastery has been acquired. This text is appropriate for a broad range of learners—including high school, college, ESL, and adult educational students—and is adaptable to both individual or private and group or classroom use. Though it focuses largely on commonly misspelled words, it also includes challenging ones often required for more advanced writing.
Leavened with a touch of humor, this textbook presents an accessible and highly adaptable approach to mastering the rules of English spelling.
About the Author
R. Kent Smith, EdD, is an experienced instructor of literary skills, having taught from the elementary through college levels, culminating in twenty-nine years as professor of developmental studies at the University of Maine. He has authored several textbooks, including eight editions of Building Vocabulary for College.
Shawn J. Smith, PhD, has been a learning specialist at public and private high schools in the Boston area for twenty-five years and also enjoys a thriving private tutoring practice.