How to Study for a Spelling Test (Tips and Tricks)

TL;DR

Use the Look-Say-Cover-Write-Check method. Break words into syllables, learn common spelling patterns, and practice writing words (not just reading them). Typing doesn't count — handwriting engages different memory pathways.

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The Best Spelling Study Method: LSCWC

Look-Say-Cover-Write-Check

1. Look at the word carefully. Notice the letters, patterns, and tricky parts.
2. Say the word out loud. Hear each syllable.
3. Cover the word with your hand or a piece of paper.
4. Write the word from memory.
5. Check — did you get it right? If not, repeat.

Do this for each word 3-5 times. Research shows this method is significantly more effective than just reading a word list.

Additional Strategies

Break Words Into Syllables

Big words are less scary when broken into parts:

• "Mis-cel-la-ne-ous" (5 syllables)
• "En-vi-ron-ment" (4 syllables)
• "Ne-ces-sa-ry" (4 syllables)

Find the Tricky Part

Every spelling word has one tricky part. Identify it and focus there:

• "separate" (not "seperate")
• "definitely" (not "definately")
• "occasionally" (double c, single s)

Use Mnemonics

Create memory aids for hard words:

• "Because" = Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants
• "Necessary" = 1 Collar, 2 Socks (1 c, 2 s's)
• "Dessert" vs "Desert" = Dessert has 2 s's because you always want seconds

Learn Common Patterns

• "i before e except after c" (mostly works: believe, receive)
• Double the consonant before -ing if the word ends in CVC (run → running)
• Drop the silent e before -ing (make → making)

Practice With Handwriting

Typing "definitely" on your phone doesn't help you spell it. WRITING it by hand engages muscle memory, which is a different (and stronger) memory pathway than visual memory alone.

Test Yourself

Have someone quiz you verbally. Hearing the word and writing it from scratch is the closest simulation to the actual test.

The Night Before

1. Go through your word list using LSCWC
2. Focus on the 5 hardest words
3. Have someone quiz you
4. Get a good night's sleep

Let Gradily Help You Build Language Skills

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Spelling isn't about natural talent — it's about practice. Use the right methods, focus on the tricky parts, and spell with confidence. 📝