Information on Spelling Bee Contests
Spelling bees have captured the imagination even more than other educational contests. There have been novels, films and even an off-Broadway musical based on the contest. While spelling bees can take place in any classroom, when many people think of the official nationwide spelling bee, they think of the National Spelling Bee sponsored by Scripps.
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History of the National Spelling Bee
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The National Spelling Bee started as a contest sponsored by the Louisville Courier-Journal in Kentucky to expand the Kentucky state challenge nationwide. In 1925, winners of other state contests competed in Washington, DC, to find a national champion. E W Scripps, a media company with newspapers and television stations, has sponsored the National Spelling Bee since 1941.
Eligibility
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In general, to become eligible for the Scripps National Spelling Bee students must be in the eighth grade or below, meet age restrictions (typically under 15 by September of the school year), keep up with "normal school activity" by taking appropriate coursework, and have won a local spelling bee. Additional requirements are supplied by Scripps.
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Format
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The National Spelling Bee format consists of a preliminary test or Round One Test on computer, and two rounds of onstage oral spelling. The official dictionary used as the source of the words used in the contest is the Webster's Third International Dictionary. The speller receives a time limit of two minutes and 30 seconds, starting with the first pronunciation of the word by the pronouncer.
The Pronouncer
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During the spelling bee, the pronouncer uses diacritical markings to dictate words to the speller. The pronouncer may be asked by the speller to define the word, place it in a sentence, tell the part of speech and language of origin, and supply alternate pronunciations. The pronouncer has the discretion to supply this information without being asked by the speller.
Elimination from the Competition
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If the speller spells a word incorrectly, he is eliminated from the competition. However, if none of the spellers spell a word correctly in the round, all spellers remain in the competition and a new round starts.
Prizes
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The first place prize for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2010 was a commemorative watch and a cash prize of $30,000. Second place prize was $12,500, third place was $7,500, and fourth place was $3,000. There are twelve categories of prizes, with those who participated only in the Preliminary Round receiving $100. All participants receive the watch. Other prizes are provided by Merriam-Webster, Encyclopedia Britannica and others.
National Spelling Bee Facts
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In 2010, there were 273 participants in the National Spelling Bee. The youngest competitor is eight years old, and she is the sister of the 2009 champion. While spellers range in age from eight to 15, the vast majority are between the ages of 12 and 14. Surprisingly, English is not the first language for some of the participants, and many speak languages in addition to English.
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References
- Photo Credit dictionary image by Ben Higham from Fotolia.com
