Spelling words for 10th graders: How to boost vocabulary

In the ever-evolving world of language, mastering spelling words for 10th graders is more than just an academic exercise. It can be a stepping stone to more effective communication, helping teens express themselves clearly and confidently. 

As a practical measure, spelling and vocabulary are also important at this age if your child plans to take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, which many colleges and universities still use to evaluate student applications. 

Let’s look at a few ways parents can support their teens in expanding their spelling and vocabulary skills.

Common vocabulary words on the ACT and SAT exams

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If you research “spelling words for 10th graders,” you may notice many different resources, from teacher worksheets and flashcards to advanced learning apps. While there’s no universal spelling list for each grade level, you can start with some words from past standardized tests. 

Examples from this list of 1,000 common SAT words include:

1. Adamant

2. Beguile

3. Complicit

4. Disperse

5. Ethereal

6. Hierarchy

7. Intrepid

8. Magnanimous

9. Refute

10. Ubiquitous

Encouraging teens to practice some of these words regularly can improve their spelling skills and confidence in communicating effectively.

Frequently misspelled words 

Another approach is to practice words that trip up many kids (and adults!). One group of teachers created a list of 90 words they often see students misspell. Here are a few examples from that list:

1. Address

2. Embarrass

3. Their, there, and they’re

4. Lose (vs. loose)

5. Separate

6. Stationery

10 of the most commonly misspelled words

According to yourdictionary, these 10 words are some of the most commonly fumbled:

1. Acquit

2. Cemetery

3. Exhilarated

4. Hierarchy

5. Inoculate

6. Liaison

7. Memento

8. Pastime

9. Pronunciation

10. Vacuum

Can your 10th grader spell all of these 9th grade spelling words?

How to make spelling fun

Kids often retain information more easily when it’s fun. To make spelling practice more enjoyable for 10th graders, consider integrating interactive activities that spark their interest and creativity. 

• Play games: Games like Scrabble or Boggle encourage word formation and foster a competitive spirit. 

• Spelling bees: Host a spelling bee with friends or family, where participants can showcase their skills in a supportive environment. 

• Use tech tools: Multimedia resources like spelling apps or online quizzes can engage tech-savvy teens. 

• Rhythm and rhyme: Incorporating songs or rhymes into spelling practice can help make challenging words memorable. Programs like Flocabulary use hip-hop and cool storytelling to make memorizing fun and engaging. 

The key is to make learning enjoyable and interactive, allowing your teen to explore the world of words with curiosity and confidence. By trying different activities and approaches, you can transform spelling practice into something teens can look forward to. Embrace the journey, celebrate progress, and watch your teen flourish as they discover the power of language!

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.