This English spelling quiz consists of 20 questions, each with four multiple-choice answers. Read each question carefully and choose the correct spelling or answer from the choices. At the end, you can view your results and score. The test is designed for beginner to intermediate English learners.
A brief knowledge of English spelling before the quiz:
English spelling can be confusing, even for native speakers. The main reason is that English spelling does not always match pronunciation.
Historical Reasons Behind English Spelling
English has borrowed words from many languages, including Latin, French, Greek, and Germanic languages. These influences have introduced different spelling patterns. For example, ballet comes from French, while psychology comes from Greek.
Another challenge is that pronunciation has changed over centuries, but spelling has often remained the same. Words such as knight and write contain silent letters that reflect earlier pronunciations or historical spelling conventions.
The development of printing and the standardisation of written English also helped preserve spellings that no longer perfectly reflect how people speak.
English spelling contains many exceptions, and some words require memorisation. For instance, accommodation is frequently misspelled because it has two Cs and two Ms. Similarly, embarrass has double Rs and double Ss.
Native speakers may pronounce words correctly without knowing their exact spelling. This is why learning spelling patterns, practicing regularly, and using proofreading tools can help.
Common Spelling Mistakes
Remember these useful spelling guidelines:
I before E: Usually, i comes before e, as in believe. After c, the pattern often reverses, as in receive. However, there are many exceptions, such as weird and science.
Silent consonants: Some letters are not pronounced, as in knife, comb, and listen.
Double consonants: Some words require doubled letters, such as accommodation, embarrass, and necessary. Learn these spellings individually.
Final -e: A silent e often makes the preceding vowel long, as in hope and time, although this pattern has exceptions.
How to learn English Spelling
Do not rely on pronunciation alone. Read regularly, keep a list of frequently misspelled words, and test yourself with spelling quizzes. With regular practice, English spelling becomes easier to master!
This test assesses how strong your spelling skills are and your knowledge level of English words.
Now, start the quiz and check your spelling score.
English Spelling Skill Test
Test your spelling accuracy, word knowledge, and commonly confused English words with 20 questions.
Quiz Completed!
Answer Breakdown & Explanations
How to Improve Your Score
After the quiz is completed, see your score:
- 90% and above: Excellent or advanced command.
- 70–89%: Good foundation.
- Below 70%: Foundational review needed.
Check your mistakes or wrong answers in the results. They are the weak areas you need to focus on for study.
Especially if your score is below 70%, it means you need to study more. To answer the questions correctly in an English test like this, focus on these areas:
Commonly misspelled words as you write and encounter
Silent letters you don’t pronounce in a word
Tricky vowel patterns (ie vs. ei rule, -ible vs. -able, -ance vs. -ence)
Words that sound alike but are spelled differently and used in different meanings (effect vs. affect, compliment vs. complement, principal vs. principle)
Practical vocabulary and correct word choice in sentences
In addition, practice with more tests or quizzes.Â
Or, check out the books/courses shown below.
