Write difficult words 10 times each on a sheet of paper. While this may seem tedious, repetition is a quick way to drill the spelling of each word into your head. Say each letter aloud as you spell the word.
Break long words down into syllables. For example, learn to spell “restaurant” by memorizing the letter groups “res-,” “tau-“ and “rant.” Say each section of the word aloud to yourself before you begin spelling.
Use newly learned words as often as possible when writing. You can also extend this strategy to text messages and online chats with friends. By using these words daily, you will memorize the definitions and spellings.
Prefixes and suffixes can add length to relatively short base words. Learn to identify the base word within the mass of letters. For example, the base word in “undecidedly” is “decide,” but a prefix and suffice disguise the simpler term.
Become familiar with the basic rules of spelling. For example, when adding a suffix to a root word that ends with a silent “e,” drop the “e” – as in “tumbling,” “driving” or “reversible.” You can find a list of these rudimentary spelling rules online or in a grammar book. This strategy will also help you identify patterns in similar words.