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.
the word explorer 
I am cheering for you Tara!
-Caroline
Speller 286 here- I’m impressed. When I first got your card I wasn’t expecting for your blog to be THIS impressive! You’re really advanced for your age! 🙂
What should we search in order to find the test?
(This is from an amateur speller. It’s my first time even winning my school spelling bee, and I probably won’t get to the SNSB, but I would appreciate any help that I can get.)
I LOVE this blog, by the way!
Megan,
Congratulations on winning your school bee and good luck at the next level!
I have noticed that the preliminaries test is posted during Bee Week for a limited time after Round 1, so it is not available right now. I have found that the best way to prepare for Round 1 is to study Greek and Latin roots. This helps with not only the spelling portion of the preliminaries test but also the vocab part.
Competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee is an unforgettable experience and I truly hope you have a chance to experience it for yourself! Happy studying and “may the words be ever in your favor.”