How to Use a Word Ladder
Word Ladders were invented by Lewis Carroll, the author of "Alice in Wonderland." They were first published in Vanity Fair and referred to as Doublets. The objective of a Word Ladder is to transform the Start word into the Stop word, one step or "rung" at a time. Word Ladders are fun for all ages.
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Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pen or pencil
- Word ladder templates (optional)
- Stopwatch (optional)
Instructions
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1
If you are not using a template, first decide on your Start and Stop words. These should have the same number of letters. Shorter words are easier to solve.
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2
Add a letter, remove a letter, change a letter, or rearrange the existing letters in the Start word. Write your new word underneath the Start word.
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3
Repeat Step 2, changing one letter of the second word (or rearranging its letters). Write each new word underneath the previous word.
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4
When you reach the Stop word, you have solved the ladder!
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5
To make Word Ladders more difficult, time yourself with a stopwatch.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Not all combinations of Start and Stop words can be solved. Use templates if you are unsure.
