Q&A for How to Win a Spelling Bee

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Is it helpful to know the definition of the words for the spelling bee?

Community Answer

Yes, it is. In cases where you can't ask for the origin, you can ask for the definition, which will help you to determine the root.

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Question

How do I stop being nervous?

Community Answer

Calm yourself down and think, "Okay. So that word isn't hard, right? I'm an amazing speller, and I can totally do this!" Remind yourself that you know the words and you're excited to let others see this fact for real.

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Question

What is the easiest way to win a spelling bee?

Community Answer

Learn the word by splitting it into syllables, and read it out loud.

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Question

Will I be asked about the word's definition?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Spellers are not typically asked for definitions.

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Question

What happens if I don't win?

Alyssa Nembhard

Community Answer

All that matters is that you did your best. Besides, there will be other spelling bees and you will do better than before because you are increasing your vocabulary. Just be satisfied that you made it this far.

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Question

I'm really nervous about messing up, it's my first bee. I'm thinking of letting someone else take my place, but then that's an opportunity missed. What do I do?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Everyone gets nervous. Just do your best, and learn from the experience. Next time it will be easier.

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Question

How do I not mix up the letters while spelling?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Spell by syllable, and visualize each syllable before you spell it out loud.

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Question

Would it be considered cheating if I was writing the word in my hand with my fingers?

Community Answer

No. I've seen many spellers do it, and it's helpful.

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Question

How do I practice remembering the word?

Community Answer

Say the word out loud, repeatedly. Of course, you'll also want to both write the word many times to memorize the spelling and repeatedly spell the word out loud.

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Question

Should I cheat to win a spelling bee contest?

Community Answer

Definitely not. That's unfair to the ones who are trying to win the spelling bee fairly. Also, usually it's difficult to cheat in spelling bees. Don't try it, it'll only result in embarrassment on your part.

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Question

What is the easiest way to remember hard words?

Jake Lance

Community Answer

Step 1: Look at the word and say it. Step 2: Close your eyes and say it. Step 3: Look at the word, and spell it aloud. Step 4: Close your eyes and spell it out loud. Step 5: Write the word without looking at it. Step 6: Check it, and repeat until you have mastered it.

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Question

I won the spelling bee in year 3. Will it be harder now that I am in year 5?

Community Answer

It probably will be because you will get harder words. However, if you remember any tricks you used in year 3, use them in year 5!

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Question

How do I memorize words faster?

Community Answer

Spell the words out in a musical sort of tune, make a song out of the letters. Or do it to a beat, maybe as simple as tapping your finger against your hand or tapping your foot against the floor. This helps a lot.

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Question

How do I concentrate if I am in a rush?

Jake Lance

Community Answer

You shouldn't be in a rush during a spelling bee. Remind yourself that you have plenty of time. Take a few deep breaths and don't think about anything else other than your word.

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Question

Am I allowed to ask to repeat the word?

Community Answer

Depends on the bee. Most will allow the word to be repeated, however.

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Question

How can I help my child prepare for a spelling bee?

Community Answer

Help them review words every day.

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Question

Where can I study words for a state spelling bee?

Community Answer

You should contact the spelling bee coordinator to see if they can send you a list of the words.

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Question

How do I spell a word if I don't know it?

Community Answer

Just take your best guess! Sound it out if you can, ask for the language of origin, and ask them to use the word in a sentence or give the definition.

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Question

How do I guess the spelling of a word?

Community Answer

Listen to the syllables in the word. For example if the word is "mawkishness," listen to how the speaker pronounces it.

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Question

How do I memorize words?

Community Answer

Try writing the word over and over again, and it'll eventually remain in your memory. Just be sure you are spelling it correctly while you're writing it.

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Question

What are the dos and don'ts of a spelling bee?

Community Answer

The dos include plenty of studying and sleep prior to the competition -- both are important! The don'ts are basically just limited to cheating and poor sportsmanship. Stay honest and be graceful if you lose.

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Question

What if we aren't allowed to see the words beforehand?

Donagan

Top Answerer

In that case the likely winner of the spelling bee will be the person who is most widely read and who makes mental notes of the spelling of every word s/he encounters.

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Question

How can I study harder words?

Community Answer

Break the word down into smaller sections, then sound each section out. Then put it all together.

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Question

What should I study for semi finals of a state-level spell bee competition?

Community Answer

In most states, Scripps will release a statewide study guide. Other local newspapers/rotaries sponsoring the Bee might, too. Also consider playing Spell It!, a study game from Scripps. Be sure to read spelling rules in the dictionary as well.

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Question

If I just said a letter I didn't mean to say, am I automatically out?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Each spelling bee is free to set its own rules. Remind yourself to proceed slowly and carefully.

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Question

What are some of the usual tough words that I should expect in the spelling bee?

Community Answer

Although every spelling bee is different and it depends on your grade level, most of the last-round words are ones that are tough to sound out. They also may be words that are rooted in other languages. Often a list is given out so you can be as prepared as possible for what words to expect.

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Question

What do you mean by Latin and Greek combinations? That's the only part I am confused about.

Donagan

Top Answerer

Latin and Greek combining forms are partial words derived from one of those languages. such as "anthro" or "hydro" that make up longer English words, such as anthropology or hydroplane.

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Question

There are 3 spelling bee champions in my class. They all are snobby and punch me for being a terrible speller. Should I punch them back?

Donagan

Top Answerer

No, that would just make you as big a jerk as they are. Instead, while you're practicing to become a better speller, keep far enough away from them that they can't reach you at critical moments. If that doesn't work, discuss the situation with your teacher or other adult.

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Question

I won a spelling bee, in part, by using this article. However, tracing words on my hand does not work; am I doing something wrong? Why is it easier for me to just visualize the word in my head?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Some people are simply good at visualizing words. If that's a skill you possess, go with it.

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Question

I want to study wherever I go. Are there any spelling apps?

Community Answer

I really recommend Hear and Spell. It has lots of great words, including many of those that are most commonly misspelled.

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