Spellers getting ready for Round 1 – a challenging written spelling and vocabulary test.

Tense moments before the start of the Preliminaries Test as Corrie Loeffler gives final instructions.

Deep breath, relax, and pray!

Round 1 of the 2017 Scripps National Spelling Bee commenced today with the Preliminaries Written Test. The test contained 12 spelling words worth one point each and 12 vocabulary words also worth one point each. There were an additional two vocabulary words worth 3 points each – one of these words came from a study list provided by the Bee while the other one came from the dictionary. The total number of points that can be accrued in Round 1 is 30. As soon the written test becomes available, I will be sure to post it so you can test your spelling and vocabulary knowledge!

The onstage rounds start tomorrow morning; each of the words in Round 2 and Round 3 is worth 3 points each. If a speller misses onstage, he/she is eliminated from the competition. Up to fifty spellers with the most number of points after Round 3 move on to the Finals which are on Thursday. Finalists will be announced after Round 3 tomorrow evening.