How to Do a Word Search

The word search ranks with the crossword puzzle and the jumble as a favorite pastime of newspaper readers. Word searches give a list of words to users, who must find these words among a mass of randomly placed letters. If you love games that have to do with language, you might want to learn to solve a word search.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Dictionary with thesaurus
• Computer with Internet capability
• Writing utensil

1. Learn the different types of word search puzzles commonly used in print or online. Websites like Crossword Express display screen shots of word searches as well as hints on how to solve these puzzles (see Resources below).
2. Read through any instructions that the word search puzzle provides. Some word puzzles allow users to do the search in any order because there is no significant connection between the words. Other puzzles require finding words in a specific order to fill in the blanks or create a sentence.
3. Look over the word list provided with the puzzle. Users who review this list know what letter combinations to look for in the randomly created puzzle. A review of the word list also helps players when looking for backward or diagonal words.
4. Search the puzzle horizontally and vertically to begin finding words. Simpler word searches have a number of their words in a straight line. Users of difficult word puzzles can often find one or two initial words to help them build confidence.
5. Examine horizontal and vertical lines backwards to find hidden words. Word search puzzles of all types use reversed words to increase difficulty.
6. Locate diagonal words by starting from the top row of letters. Diagonal words can run from left to right or vice versa with most moving down from the first row.
7. Connect found words in the puzzle with the accompanying list as you proceed. Circle words found in the puzzle in order to reference them at a later point. Users who cross out these words on the included list gain a good morale boost and keep track of how much searching they need to do to succeed.

Tips & Warnings

• Determine if a word search puzzle has a specific theme or involves answering a question. Simple clues can be helpful in finding words, especially if the puzzle does not come with a word list or key.