ALso I think worth mentioning in regards to spell check is to ensure that it is set to Australian English where possible to avoid being marked down for words that have been spell checked and changed to American spelling. This one has 'got' me a few times!!!

 

Hi Lyn. i viewed the list and was drawn to item 80 'judgment'. I believed it was spelt as "judgement' and the dictionary I consulted had it spelt as jugement, with the "e". Thought you might like to know. By the way, good idea for a student resource, well done!!

Anthony Phelps

What is it with spelling and the human brain?  Why can some people spell without any problem at all and other just never get it right no matter how hard they try?  Is it the initial schooling or some aspect of the brain that just 'knows' how to spell without having to learn it?  Have any studies been done regarding the type of person (academic/practical/logical/creative etc) that finds spelling an automatic response?  Or is it just luck of the draw?   Cheers, Alise.

Hi Just thought it might even be a good idea to show everyone how to put your computer on Australian spelling check instead of American. Lis

Hi Anthony, With regard to the word 'judgment', it is actually correct. The spelling 'judgement' is American and is gradually becoming accepted, just as 'programme' is now accepted as 'program'. Words that end in 'dge' drop the 'e' before adding a suffix is the general rule followed. Lyn

Hi Everyone, In response to Lis' suggestion regarding setting the spellcheck: In Word, click on 'tools'; select 'language'; then select 'set language'; choose 'English (Australia)' from the menu; and finally select it as your 'default'.

Hi Alise,  Loads of studies have been conducted into the area of language acquisition and interaction with print.  Some people (many of them clever) unfortunately have a learning disability and that must absolutely frustrate the living heck out of them as it is in no way related to intelligence.  For others, there could be a multitude of reasons that are too many to list.  The main thing however, is not to give up.  It's a hurdle, not necessarily an impenetrable barrier.  Lyn

Thanks for the site, looks great so far  :)  I don't have problems with spelling, but often get confused with apostrophes - I have read "Eats, Shoots and Leaves" but found it went from very simple explanations to something way beyond my ken!  So a section that clearly states when to use or omit apostrophes would be great.  Thanks!

Might be of interest to have a look at this useful little free program http://wordweb.info/free/ 7.1mb is a Dictionary-Thesaurus that comes in an Australian version ... Cheers Gaz

I enjoyed having a go at the commonly misspelt words which was quite handy and useful.  Many thanks!

Hi Lyn,

What about deceit, proceed, precede,

Ma-be  a sekshun showin wurds comornley spelled in amrekin inglish... Thut wood b gr8 4 pepole vat fink thay r spelen proppa...