Week: One
Subject: English Language
Class: SSS1
Lesson Topic: Words Commonly Misspelt and the Use of Dictionary
Theme: Effective Communication
Duration: 40 minutes
Term: Third
Objectives:
- Identify and learn the correct spelling of commonly misspelt words
- Understand the importance of using a dictionary to improve spelling and vocabulary
Commonly Misspelt Words
There is no gainsaying the fact that the student's ability to spell words correctly will earn him more
marks in essays or letters sections of the English Language examination. Unfortunately, spelling is often
waved aside by many students, thereby paving way for woeful performances, especially in Mechanical
Accuracy. Students should remember that every wrong spelling is ringed and marks are deducted. Below
is a list of some words which are always wrongly spelt by students.
WORDS COMMONLY MIS-SPELT
1. Accommodate (not "accomodate")
2. Separate (not "seperate")
3. Receive (not "recieve")
4. Definitely (not "definately")
5. Independent (not "independant")
6. Onomatopoeia (not "onomatopia")
7. Privilege (not "priviledge")
8. Skilful (not "skillful")
9. Kerosene (not "kerosine")
10. Generosity (not "generousity")
11. Maintain (not "mentain")
12. Fortnight (not "forthnight")
13. Vacuum (not "vacum")
14. Flabbergasted (not "flabergasted")
15. Argument (not "argument")
16. Illiterate (not "illitrate")
17. Commitment (not "comitment")
18. Surprise (not "suprise")
19. Cutlery (not "cuttlery")
20. Camouflage (not "camorflag)
21. Trekking (not "tracking")
22. Catapult (not "cataport")
23. Faithful (not "faithfull")
24. Embarrass (not "embarrass")
25. Interfere (not "interfer")
26. Necessary (not "neccessary")
27. Etiquette (not "etiquete")
28. Cassette (not "cassette")
29. Gramaphone (not "grammaphone")
30. Stubborn (not "sturborn")
Using a Dictionary
Words are used to communicate and sometimes the words you read or hear may be unknown to you.
Sometimes you can learn the meaning of a new word by the way it is used in a sentence. Other times,
you can guess it's meaning because it might look like another word you already know.
However, what to do when you do not know the meaning of a new word? You can ask a friend or
family member, or you can simply reach for a dictionary. A dictionary is a book that lists all the words
and their definitions and much more. Every language in the world has its own dictionary.
The words in a dictionary are listed alphabetically, meaning the words are in order from A to Z.
HOW TO USE A DICTIONARY
Before you begin looking up a word, get to know the dictionary by following these four steps:
1. Use the Right Dictionary: Some include extra information, such as maps, grammar tips,
illustrations, and more. Others include a thesaurus, which includes synonyms.
2. Read the Introduction: Tips on how to use the dictionary are included in the introduction.
3. Learn Abbreviations: All dictionaries use abbreviations such as n. for noun, or adv for adverb.
4. Learn Pronunciation Symbols: The pronunciation of a word will appear between two back
slashes (//), and is often on italics. For example, cake: /Keik/ or bite/bait/.
Now that you have become familiar with the dictionary, you are ready to use it and find words. If you
do not have a specific word to look up, browse through the dictionary and pick out some unfamiliar
words. Read the definition. Try to pronounce the word. What abbreviations are used. Can you use it in
a sentence? Now, look up a new word by following these steps:
1. Find the Letter Section for the New Word.
2. Use Guide Words: The first word and the last word listed on the top of the page are the guide
words.
3. Scan the Page to Find Your Word: Move your finger down the correct page to find your word.
4. Read the Definition.
ACTIVITIES