SOLVING YOUR SPELLING PROBLEMS

1. Have a positive attitude.

2. Keep a list of words you misspell in your papers and words you’ve looked up more than once. When you use a computer’s spell checker, distinguish typographical errors from words you don’t know how to spell. When you see how a word you often use should

be spelled, add it to your list. Look for patterns in your errors. Work to master the words

on your list.

3. Use a dictionary. Put a pencil dot next to each word you look up (or bookmark it in a computer dictionary) so you can tell if you have looked it up before. Be aware of all the different kinds of information a dictionary provides. Look for a word related to the one you’re having trouble with that will help you remember its spelling.

4. Be sure you’re pronouncing words correctly. If possible, break each word into parts.

5. Circle or enlarge the trouble spots in the words on your list.

6. The little words are the big words. Concentrate on the words that occur most frequently.

7. Learn spelling rules.

8. Learn spelling tricks to help with the words on your list. If there isn’t a good trick, try to

make one up. Please ask me about words you keep confusing and I’ll work with you to find

strategies for getting them right.

9. Proofread your papers several times before you hand them in—once just to check spelling.

Print out a version to proofread. Try touching each syllable with the end of your pen. Also, try covering up your essay with a blank sheet of paper and uncovering it one line at a time. Reading your paper out loud also helps. Don’t assume that running a spell checker will catch all your mistakes since your computer can’t catch every kind of spelling error.

10. When you’re hand writing, write clearly enough to see errors easily.

11. Pronounce words carefully—or secretly mispronounce them if that will help you remember

how to spell them.

12. Read and look. As you read more, your spelling will improve, especially if you look carefully at unfamiliar words.

13. Don’t limit yourself only to words you’re sure you can spell. Perfection is not your goal, but with some hard work you can certainly improve your spelling.