How to Spell an Unfamiliar Word

Sometimes you're in the middle of writing a paper, and you have no idea how to spell the word you want to use. There are no dictionaries around, and you're on a deadline. Here's what you do.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Sound out the word slowly to yourself.

2. Divide the word into its syllables.

3. Think about the word's root. Try and remember other words with the same root, and think about how they're spelled.

4. Spell the word as best you can by writing it on the page.

5. Look hard at the word you've written and ask yourself if it looks strange. If so, play with the spelling until it looks right.

6. Ask yourself if the word follows the standard rules of spelling, such as "I before E except after C."

7. If you're hopelessly lost, think of another word you know how to spell that has the same meaning. Use that one instead.