The best way to work on improving spelling is to identify the misspelled words and create a list. Then memorize the correct spelling by writing the proper spelling on index cards and reviewing them daily until mastered.

1. Pronounce words correctly to catch all the sounds in a word. (This means slow down.)

 

2. Don’t let silent letters lead you astray in words like sight, vote, and bought.

 

3. Be aware of different pronunciations.

 

4. Know the difference between homonyms (words that sound alike but have different meanings: their/there, your/you’re, etc.) and words that look similar (like quiet/quite, farther/further, and then/than).

 

5. Familiarize yourself with some basic spelling rules:
    
   o   When a suffix that begins with a vowel is added to a root that ends in a silent “e,” the silent “e” is omitted. (care + ing = caring)

   o   If the suffix begins with a consonant, the silent “e” is kept. (care + less = careless) Exceptions: true/truly, argue/argument, & judge/judgment

   o   When adding a suffix beginning with a vowel or “y” to a word ending with a consonant, double the consonant if the word has only one syllable and the final consonant is single and preceded by a single vowel: drop/dropping, flip/flipping, etc. (This rule also applies to words with two syllables if the last syllable is accented and the final consonant is single and preceded by a single vowel: upset/upsetting, omit/omitted, etc.)

   o   Use “i” before “e” except after “c” or when it sounds like “a” as in neighbor or weigh: believe, receive, eight, etc. (Exceptions: counterfeit, either, seize, etc.)

   o   To form plurals for nouns that end in “y”:
     o   If the noun ends in a consonant and “y,” change the “y” to “i” and add “es.” (Examples: quantity/quantities and city/cities)
     o   If the noun ends in a vowel and “y,” add “s.” (Examples: attorney/attorneys and turkey/turkeys)