How to Give a Spelling Test

Multiple-choice tests that present several versions of the same word, only one of which is spelled correctly, sow confusion and reinforce misspellings.

The only way to determine whether students have learned to spell a word is to have them write it from dictation. This way, they draw on knowledge that exists in their minds.

Multiple-choice tests that present several versions of the same word, only one of which is spelled correctly, sow confusion and reinforce misspellings.

A spelling test that reinforces misspelling.
An example of a spelling test question that reinforces misspelling.

To test spelling, follow this three-step process:

  1. Say the word.
  2. Use the word in a sentence that makes the word’s meaning clear.
  3. Say the word again.

Note: Do not stop to repeat a word in any of these steps.

The sentences used to put the word in context require some thought to avoid ambiguity.

To give context for a word like friend, a sentence like Jack is my friend is adequate.

Words that have homonyms—words spelled differently but sound the same—like piece and principal, need something more specific than “I want a piece” or “There’s the principal.”

Similar-sounding words, like accept and except, also need thoughtful sentences that make the meaning clear.

Here is a sample spelling test.

  1. eight—My brother is eight years old.—eight
  2. principal—The principal announced a snow day for tomorrow.—principal
  3. real—Joan of Arc was a real person, not a fictional character.—real
  4. weight—The horse pulled a heavy weight.—weight
  5. manner—That actor has a pleasant manner of speaking.—manner
  6. friends—David and Jonathan were close friends.—friends
  7. forty—He wrote a check for forty dollars.—forty
  8. accept—The fireman refused to accept the medal. —accept
  9. site—We visited the site where the new school will be built.—site
  10. piece—Please cut me a piece of cake.—piece

A test with more than ten items may be justified to establish reading level, as with the Morrison-McCall spelling scale. In ordinary circumstances, ten words at a time are enough.

NOTE: The Morrison McCall spelling scale is not a test. It is a diagnostic instrument that can give the teacher an idea of a student’s reading level. It is very long.

Share this post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *