How do you spell GHOTI?

One of the most well-known spelling games in English involves the word GHOTI, pronounced "fish." It's supposed to have come from GH as in enough (where gh sounds like f), O as in women (o sounds like i), and TI as in action (ti like sh). So you get the sound fish from GHOTI.

Anyhow, spelling is tough in English, and one of the biggest reasons is that the language is anything but pure. English is influenced by many languages. Can you think of some words from your first language that have made it into the English vocabulary?

One of several great online courses for free is the edX course Principles of Written English from UC Berkeley, and they have a page there on spelling with the following tips:

Learning to spell correctly does not have to be boring. There are several ways to practice spelling without just memorizing word lists or rules.
1. Play word games--Scrabble, Words with Friends, Hangman, etc. There are a lot of word games to keep you entertained while spelling words. This website also has some online games: http://www.spellingcity.com/spelling-games-vocabulary-games.html.
2. Dictation: In dictation, you listen to spoken text and write what you hear. Then, check your text against what was actually said. Dictations can be difficult, but they are very effective ways to create a connection between the written form of the word and the spoken word.
Try a practice dictation. In this exercise, you will hear the text spoken at regular speed. During this time, it is good to just listen and get the meaning of the text. Then, it will be spoken again, phrase by phrase. During this time, write down what you think you hear. It will then be spoken a third time at a slow pace so you can read your text as you listen and make final corrections. Remember, everything counts in a dictation--spelling, grammar, and punctuation. So listen carefully. Open a document or get out paper and pencil.
Dictation Exercise (mp3)After you have done this, go to the "handouts" area of this course and download the answer to the dictation. (This is not a scored homework.)
Here are some sites that address ways to improve spelling:
"Ten Tips for Better Spelling": http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0903395.html"How to Improve Your Spelling": http://www.spellzone.com/unit02/page1.cfm"Five Guidelines for Learning Spelling and Six Ways of Practicing Spelling": http://www.ldonline.org/article/6192/Dictation activities: http://www.englishclub.com/listening/dictation.htm

The Brits Can't Count. Can You?

Many adults struggle with math in the UK, and the Government has come up with a test to see how serious the situation is.

For many newcomers, the situation is different. They have a strong background in math but lack the ability to express their thinking in their second or other language. Feel free to check out your English numeracy ability, converting the currency to Canadian, e.g. 25p to 25 cents and ₤290 to $290:



When you have finished, check out the significance of the question levels from "entry" to "gold."

Icy, Icy: Niagara Falls as You've Never Seen It

The world watches as Niagara Falls freezes over:

If there's going to be a polar vortex, we might as well enjoy the pretty sight! Check out other pretty sights at this site.

Which Europeans Got Here First? The Spanish? The French? Or the English?

You know their names--or at least the first one. Columbus. Cartier. Drake. Cabot. Vespucci. And countless others who left all to pursue the New World. They came for gold and fame and glory. And later, they came for freedom from religious persecution.
But who got here first, and how would we know?
Until recently, most people thought it was the Spanish who got to the Pacific Coast first. Recently, however, evidence has been found that seems to indicate someone got here before the Spanish did. Check out the findings in this article, and respond with your comments below!

Congratulations, Lorelei and Neil, for Getting Published in NewsLINC! Doubly!

In this winter's issue of NewsLINC, Lorelei and Neil saw their blogged articles published! Read them and others', and be inspired to write and publish your own!

Apologies to Lorelei for the earlier misattribution of her writing.

Canadian Does It Again! Alex Bilodeau Gets Olympic Gold Again!

Alexander Bilodeau, who opened the gold haul for Canada in Vancouver four year ago, recaptures gold in Sochi this afternoon.

Check out these screen captures from CBC Sports:

Alex with older brother Frederick, his inspiration!

Connect on FaceBook and discuss your thoughts as a new Canadian!

Woohoo! Here Come Gold and Silver!

screen grabs from CBC Sports

 

Watch sisters Justine and Chloe Dufour-Lapointe of Montreal here!