Which resource is most helpful for unfamiliar spellings?

Which resource is most helpful for unfamiliar spellings?

• A. Use a dictionary only after you finish writing
• B. Ask a friend to guess
• C. Consult a dictionary for unfamiliar spellings
• D. Rely on spell-check alone

Answer: (C)

When you’re unsure about how a word is spelled, the resource that helps you most is a dictionary. It gives the exact spelling, and often includes pronunciation and example usage that help you remember the word’s form. Using a dictionary while you write keeps you accurate in the moment, reducing errors and speeding up your writing process. Waiting until after you finish, asking a friend to guess, or relying on spell-check alone can miss mistakes, mislead you about the correct form, or not teach you how the word should look in the future.

When you’re unsure about how a word is spelled, the resource that helps you most is a dictionary. It gives the exact spelling, and often includes pronunciation and example usage that help you remember the word’s form. Using a dictionary while you write keeps you accurate in the moment, reducing errors and speeding up your writing process. Waiting until after you finish, asking a friend to guess, or relying on spell-check alone can miss mistakes, mislead you about the correct form, or not teach you how the word should look in the future.