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How Important is Spelling?
Lower-Intermediate - Vocabulary
the ARTICLE (for teachers)
How Important is Spelling?
How important is spelling? One British academic thinks it isn't very important. He believes
that various spellings of a word should be acceptable if everyone can easily and effectively
communicate. Does it matter if "occasion" were incorrectly spelled as "occassion?" Or how
"foriegn" for "foreign?" Or "nieghbor" for "neighbor?"
Not everyone agrees, however. According to many other academics, spelling rules exist for
a reason. Communication is easier with consistent spelling. Good spelling and good writing
means the reader shouldn't have to re-read sentences to understand the meaning of the
writer. Most academics agree that spelling is just as important as good grammar.
With the popularity of text messages, it's more important to be careful with spelling. Many
words are spelled incorrectly or abbreviated in text messages, but how would you feel if an
official letter from the bank or local government had strangely spelled words? Or how would
you feel if a company pamphlet had numerous spelling mistakes?
It comes down to communication. In face-to-face conversations, you can explain in more
detail, clarify, or ask questions. Written emails and letters have one chance to clearly
explain, make a request, etc. As a result, spelling can't be ignored.
Teacher's Notes:
* Underlined words in red typeface are the recommended vocabulary for this lesson.
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How Important is Spelling?
Lower-Intermediate - Vocabulary
the Article (for students)
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
abbreviated
ignored
clarify
incorrectly
popularity
various
academics
numerous
consistent
however
How Important is Spelling?
How important is spelling? One British academic thinks it isn't very important. He
believes that (a. _______________) spellings of a word should be acceptable if
everyone can easily and effectively communicate. Does it matter if "occasion" were
(b. _______________) spelled as "occassion?" Or how "foriegn" for "foreign?" Or
"nieghbor" for "neighbor?"
Not everyone agrees, (c. _______________). According to many other academics,
spelling rules exist for a reason. Communication is easier with (d. _______________)
spelling. Good spelling and good writing means the reader shouldn't have to re-read
sentences to understand the meaning of the writer. Most (e. _______________) agree
that spelling is just as important as good grammar.
With the (f. _______________) of text messages, it's more important to be careful with
spelling. Many words are spelled incorrectly or (g. _______________) in text messages,
but how would you feel if an official letter from the bank or local government had
strangely spelled words? Or how would you feel if a company pamphlet had
(h. _______________) spelling mistakes?
It comes down to communication. In face-to-face conversations, you can explain in
more detail, (i. _______________), or ask questions. Written emails and letters have
one chance to clearly explain, make a request, etc. As a result, spelling can't be
(j. _______________).
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How Important is Spelling?
Lower-Intermediate - Vocabulary
STEP ONE
Brainstorm: Brainstorm with a partner words and ideas for "communication" for two
minutes. Next, talk about the words and ideas for five minutes.
STEP TWO
Vocabulary match: Individually or in pairs/groups, match the words in column A (from the
article) with the best choice in column B.
a. various
b. consistent
u. same
c. abbreviate
d. numerous
w. different
e. clarify
f. ignore
y.
v.
many
x. make something clear
don't pay attention to
z. shorten
STEP THREE
Fill in the Blanks: Fill in the blank with the correct word.
abbreviated
consistent
various
ignored
a. An academic believes that (
clarify
numerous
) spellings of a word are acceptable.
b. Communication is easier with (
c. Many words are spelled incorrectly or (
d. How would you feel if a company pamphlet had (
e. You can explain in more detail, (
f.
Spelling can't be (
) spelling.
) in text messages.
) spelling mistakes?
), or ask questions.
).
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How Important is Spelling?
Lower-Intermediate - Vocabulary
STEP FOUR
The Article: 1) Read the article, but don't worry about the missing words. 2) Fill in the
blanks with today's vocabulary, followed by all the other words. 3) Read the article again,
and circle any unknown words/phrases. In pairs/groups, use your dictionaries to understand
the words or phrases your circled. 4) Answer the questions to check your comprehension.
a. What does the British academic think about spelling?
b. What has been the general reaction from other academics, scholars, and linguists?
c. According to the article, why is good spelling important?
d. Why does the article ask several questions about official letters and pamphlets?
e. What does the article say about face-to-face communication?
STEP FIVE
Discuss: Write down three vocabulary words from today's article that you want to use.
a.
b.
c.
Now talk about the following questions in pairs/groups. Every time you use a vocabulary
word, place a check next to it.
a. Did you like this article?
b. What do you think about spelling well? How important is it? Please explain.
c. What would you think if you received a formal letter with many spelling mistakes?
d. What would you think if your teacher didn't correct spelling or grammar mistakes?
Score yourself:
7-10 times, or more: Fantastic! Be sure to review the words at home.
4-6 times:
Pretty good! You're on your way to acquiring today's vocabulary. Try
writing your own sentences at home for more practice.
3 or less times:
Try harder next time! To acquire new vocabulary, you need to use the
new words as much as possible.
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