Question

One of the following words is misspelt. Find the word.

• A. glisening
• B. shining
• C. sparkling
• D. glittering

Answer 1

Answer:

A. glisening

Understanding Spelling and Common Errors in English

• Phonology and Orthography: While English pronunciation (phonology) can be inconsistent, spelling (orthography) often follows patterns. However, many words have exceptions or common misspellings that appear frequently in competitive exams.
• Identifying Misspellings: Exams often test your ability to spot incorrect spellings. This requires a keen eye for detail and familiarity with standard English orthography.
• Common Spelling Pitfalls: Several types of errors are frequent:
  • Vowel confusions: 'e' vs. 'i', 'a' vs. 'e', 'o' vs. 'u' (e.g., 'separate' is often misspelled as 'seperate').
  • Double consonants: Incorrectly doubling or omitting consonants (e.g., 'accommodate' vs. 'acommodate').
  • Silent letters: Forgetting or incorrectly adding silent letters (e.g., 'knife', 'doubt').
  • Suffixes and prefixes: Errors in adding or removing them, especially with changes to the root word (e.g., 'noticeable' vs. 'noticable').
• The Word 'Glisening': This word is a common misspelling. The correct spelling is 'glistening'. The error typically lies in the confusion between 'e' and 'i' in the second syllable.
• Roots and Derivations: The word 'glistening' comes from the verb 'to glisten', meaning to shine or sparkle. Understanding the root can aid in remembering the correct spelling.
• Exam Strategy:
  • Read Carefully: Always read all options thoroughly, even if one seems obviously correct.
  • Sound it Out (with caution): While helpful, English pronunciation doesn't always match spelling. Use this as a secondary check.
  • Memorize Common Errors: Many competitive exams reuse common misspellings. Keep a list of frequently misspelled words.
  • Practice: Regular practice with spelling quizzes and past exam papers is crucial for improvement.