Spelling and Vocabulary

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Spelling and Vocabulary is a partially timed test given at University Interscholastic League , or UIL, competitions.

Contents 1 Words used 2 Test format 2.1 Part 1A 2.2 Part 1B 2.3 Part 2 2.4 Tiebreaker 3 Scoring 4 See also 5 External links 6 References

[edit] Words used

At least 80% of the words used on a particular test are from UIL "Word Power,"^[1] which consists of 1500 words. A portion of these 1500 words are vocabulary words, which are the only ones that can be used in Part 1B. All other parts of the test may include outside words not in UIL "Word Power," up to a maximum of 20%.

[edit] Test format

Each test consists of two parts, the first of which is partitioned. There is also a tiebreaker given at the end of the test.

[edit] Part 1A

Part 1A is a proofreading section in which competitors must select the misspelled word out of a group of five words and write its correct spelling. There are 15 such questions on the test.

[edit] Part 1B

Part 1B is a vocabulary test. Participants have to select the correct answer to 15 multiple choice questions, each with five possible answers. These may require knowledge of certain words or their origins. Parts 1A and 1B have a combined time limit of 15 minutes.

[edit] Part 2

The second part of the test focuses on the ability to spell. A pronouncer clearly says a word, then repeats it. If it may be confused with a similar word, a brief definition is given. The student is expected to spell the word during this short time. After 70 words have been given, the tiebreaker will begin.

[edit] Tiebreaker

The tiebreaker consists of 20 words. It follows the same rules as Part 2. At the end of the tiebreaker, the pronouncer and other judges will discuss whether any words need to be repeated. If any do, the pronouncer will state them again.

[edit] Scoring

Each correct answer on Parts 1 and 2 is worth one point. If a tie results, then the tiebreaker is graded for the tying individuals. Each right answer gives one point, but these points only count when breaking the tie.

[edit] See also

• List of University Interscholastic League events

[edit] External links

• UIL Academics

[edit] References

1. ^ "97th Edition of the Constitution and Contest Rules of the University Interscholastic League 2006-2007", University of Texas at Austin, 2006.