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Show Misspelled words A misspelled word on a letter of application for a job sticks out like, a black eye. Persons with black eyes often explain those injuries with the excuse that "I ran into a door." That's what job applicants may encounter when they misspell words in those letters of application a closed door. Blame it on Noah Webster. The arrival of dictionaries helped to standardize spelling. Before that, people often paid little attention to spelling. Even famous authors such as William Shakespeare would spell creatively. It's said that he "misspelled" his name so many times it sparked heated arguments about whether he authored all the literature that bears his name. The standardization of spelling crept into American schools, and then came spelling bees. Utah teachers and students participate in a statewide spelling bee. It's hoped that this activity helps students to master at least the frequently misspelled words, as well as the more complicated compli-cated ones. Some families with several children have spelling bees, and I have a suggestion for them. Spelling is a skill almost entirely associated with writing. So instead of having the children spell orally, why not let them write the words? Another suggestion: If one of the contestants misspells a word, why not urge that member of the family to find that word in the dictionary? Some educators say looking up a word can imprint the correct spelling in a person's mind for life. Why are my fingers crossed? I'm hoping this column doesn't have any misspelled words, that's why. |