Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Conversation
The Conversation
Lifestyle
Pawan Dhingra, Associate Provost and Professor of American Studies, Amherst College

What it takes to become a spelling bee champ

Study groups and quizzes can help, but one studying technique stands out above the rest. Hill Street Studios / Getty Images

Whenever the Scripps National Spelling Bee takes place, parents and children may wonder: What does it take to become a champion? Is it worth the effort?

As just about any former Scripps champion could tell you, the contest – which is set to take place May 31 to June 1 this year – involves a fair amount of luck, so preparation does not guarantee a victory. There’s simply no way a contestant can know which word awaits them from the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary. But if young people find enjoyment in learning how to spell words, as well as understanding the origins and meanings of these words, then they will feel proud of what they accomplished.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.