operating practically regularly
patron science contemplating
religious advertisement difficulty
altogether semester issued
bargain quantity profession
engineer response allowed
responsible capacity examine
situated catalogue glorious
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 11 VI. 11 VI. 12
VII. 8 VII. 8 VII. 9
VIII. 5 VIII. 5 VIII. 6
25 26 27
certified associated custard
dismissal timothy double
develops accomplished resign
estimate tendency panel
heavily confirming pamphlet
horrible congratulation familiar
obligate illustrating sermon
traffic meter hustle
trifle reliability janitor
exceed resource occupy
finance examiner warehouse
overdo demonstrated envelop
residence carnival preside
camphor conservatory scholar
discussion consultation museum
galvanized enormous methods
interrupt legislation patience
intimate maturity fundamental
luncheon nickel accredited
mattress manufacturing continuous
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 11 VI. 11 VI. 12
VII. 8 VII. 8 VII. 8
VIII. 5 VIII. 5 VIII. 5
28 29 30
adapted buried rhubarb
almonds marked initials
analyze foliage confidential
capitol heading irrigate
faculty locally mutually
formula luxury engaged
mutual medium Vice Pres.
nursery quietly circulars
quoting rabbits exercised
salad razor childhood
scenery refers vegetable
tobacco reverse packages
towards shining terribly
opera solid desirable
urgent survey determine
via turkeys shortage
visitor visits rainfall
widow vomit wherever
accompany wasted fertilizers
apricot confess adequate
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 10 VI. 9 VI. 10
VII. 7 VII. 6 VII. 7
VIII. 4 VIII. 3 VIII. 4
S-1 S-2 S-3
items willow muscle
honey gospel guilty
stormy wisdom soldiers
stupid naughty handles
negro slowly hearty
tailor expand helper
sire arises somehow
rally sewed raisin
toilet murder jewels
tower miner napkin
unload holy dessert
upset vigor lessons
utter lawyer marble
vice crown scatter
vessel vague millers
wages votes minded
warmly yacht roomer
repay cable earlier
mercy create remarks
whistle ladder kindle
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 7 VI. 7 VI. 7
VII. 4 VII. 4 VII. 4
VIII. 2 VIII. 2 VIII. 2
EIGHTH GRADE DIRECTIONS TO EIGHTH GRADE TEACHERS
The minimum lessons for this grade are numbered from 1 to 25
inclusive, and contain 500 new words. There are in addition 240
supplementary words which are new, but which are not so frequently
used as those in the minimum list. The four lessons marked R-1, R-2,
R-3, R-4, are made up of those words in the preceding grades which are
most frequently missed by eighth grade students. The lesson marked
"Special Review," contains the hardest words, of the two thousand most
frequently used in correspondence.
In addition, there are four letters which should be given as dictation
exercises. These letters contain a large number of words which are
very likely to be misspelled, as shown by their frequency of use in
correspondence and the percentage of error of eighth grade pupils who
attempt to spell them.
Remember that the lessons are arranged by weeks rather than by days.
The work for each week consists of one advance column and one review
column. The review column in each case is the fourth column preceding
the advance work. That is, it is made up of a week's work one month
old. For example, column 5 contains 20 new words to be learned in one
week. During the same week, column 1 should be reviewed. The lesson
for the first week consists of column 1, which is the advance lesson,
and of column R 1, which is the review.
R-1 R-2 R-3
Chautauqua planning separate
schedule remittance advisable
guaranteed probably awfully
rheumatism sincerely disease
privilege arrangement sense
efficiency considerably familiar
inst. capacity merely
judgment corporation presence
recommend usually receiving
thoroughly choir similar
correspondence inquiry variety
courteous renewal crochet
semester alfalfa imagine
practically basis organization
opportunity benefit successful
literature catalogue sympathy
absolutely excellent appreciated
receipt necessary assigned
definite quantity assistant
guarantee response pleasant
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 15 VI. 13 VI. 12
VII. 12 VII. 9 VII. 8
VIII. 9 VIII. 6 VIII. 5
R-4 1 2
relieve convince reference
surprised transfer companies
appreciate independent discourage
assistance investigate insurance
candidate wholesale inclined
certificate democratic organized
distribution employer ambition
magazine exception attractive
principal confident credited
readily advertised notified
registration constantly operated
commission manufacturer worried
equipment sanitary automatic
exhibit submitted accord
nervous liable frequently
practical evidence management
regularly concerning generous
succeed assuring involved
uneasy positive misunderstanding
duplicate superior representation
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 10 VI. 7 VI. 7
VII. 7 VII. 4 VII. 4
VIII. 4 VIII. 2 VIII. 2
3 4 5
invitation contrary abstract
celebrate entertaining employed
discontinued examined register
respectfully profitable resident
obligation registered vision
occupied reservation favorite
application universal nephew
accordingly requirement regardless
collecting deliveries satisfactory
convinced desiring serious
destination conference Hallowe'en
agriculture strawberries pneumonia
fashionable advancement appendicitis
combination decrease ingredients
resigned deserved phosphorus
membership triumph telephone
supervision graduating temperature
clause hustling possibilities
activity numerous temptation
impossible raiser constructed
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 7 VI. 7 VI. 10
VII. 4 VII. 4 VII. 7
VIII. 2 VIII. 2 VIII. 4
6 7 8
Pullman librarian superintendent
cistern agricultural occasion
customers announcement representative
sight-seeing completely possibility
warrant ballot all right
acknowledged cooperative especially
electric cordial committee
borrowers inferior immediately
circumstance preliminary analysis
opposite disappointed bulletin
edition physical mortgage
excursion exceptionally referred
patronage annually referring
professor exhausted convenience
restaurant responsibility allotment
commencement algebra installment
chaperon executive advertising
thesis permanent administrator
possess soliciting straightened
physician alumni epidemic
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 12 VI. 12 VI. 13
VII. 8 VII. 9 VII. 10
VIII. 5 VIII. 6 VIII. 7
9 10 11
vary specially ambitions
duly extremely appreciation
leisure calendar communication
acquire originally commissioner
agency official exhibition
immense candidacy mechanical
hastily extension specification
various naturally consequence
unlock cordially disappoint
solicit customary remembrance
medical campaign authority
license financial appreciating
client associate interfere
Sabbath acquainted sufficient
injure personally cooperating
stomach immediate relieved
notary esteemed cooperation
surgery executed anticipate
losing postscript preparation
council convenient satisfactorily
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 15 VI. 13 VI. 13
VII. 10 VII. 10 VII. 10
VIII. 6 VIII. 7 VIII. 7
12 13 14
individual bonus patronize
actually unusually probably
merit disappointment reverend
fertilize X-ray manufactured
necessity canvass typewriter
community enthusiasm enclosure
bureau accompanying illustrate
grateful tuberculosis preserve
correspondent politician opportune
quantities anticipating appetite
thorough characteristic bronchitis
compliment anniversary discussed
geometry zephyr privileged
regretting peculiarities courtesies
equipped assortment desirous
prior illustration promenade
efficient inducement strenuous
affectionately label kimono
lieutenant practicing ultimo
fraternally amendment aggravate
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 14 VI. 14 VI. 15
VII. 10 VII. 11 VII. 12
VIII. 7 VIII. 8 VIII. 8
15 16 17
principle articles decomposed
professional bachelor developing
circuit benefits embroidery
acquaintance infected employment
scientific minimum enjoyable
inconvenience miserable immensely
enthusiastic objection experiment
recd. opinions facilities
assessment sidewalk gardening
materially stopping inventory
recommendation tomatoes irrigation
supplement treasure mentioning
confirmation vineyard memorandum
occasionally advantages measuring
apparatus asparagus officials
essential carpenter operations
unnecessary casseroles previously
accommodate catalogues proportion
affidavit comfortably specimens
definitely temporary spineless
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 15 VI. 12 VI. 12
VII. 13 VII. 8 VII. 8
VIII. 9 VIII. 5 VIII. 5
18 19 20
cafeteria accommodation nowadays
squirrels accommodations steadily
straighten acknowledging butter-fat
substantial acknowledgment contented
suggestion advantageous conveyance
twenty-five anticipation scholarship
undertake communications cooperate
communicate financially cucumbers
complement incidentally everywhere
continually kindergarten impatient
conveniently manufacturers inquiring
unpleasant preliminaries missionary
unfortunate solicitation organizing
institutions undoubtedly positively
progressive beautifully sometimes
prospective presentation separately
publications remittances sediments
gymnasium unfortunately rosebushes
memorandums unexpected rheumatic
uncomfortable vice president correspondents
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 12 VI. 13 VI. 12
VII. 8 VII. 10 VII. 9
VIII. 5 VIII. 7 VIII. 6
21 22
Ala. (Alabama) Md. (Maryland)
Alaska Mass. (Massachusetts)
Ariz. (Arizona) Mich. (Michigan)
Ark. (Arkansas) Minn. (Minnesota)
Cal. (California) Miss. (Mississippi)
Colo. (Colorado) Mo. (Missouri)
Conn. (Connecticut) Mont. (Montana)
Del. (Delaware) Nebr. (Nebraska)
D. C. (District of Nev. (Nevada)
Columbia) N. H. (New Hampshire)
Fla. (Florida) N. J. (New Jersey)
Ga. (Georgia) N. Mex. (New Mexico)
Hawaii N. Y. (New York)
Idaho N. C. (North Carolina)
Ill. (Illinois) N. Dak. (North Dakota)
Ind. (Indiana) Ohio
Iowa Okla. (Oklahoma)
Kans. (Kansas) Oregon
Ky. (Kentucky) Pa. (Pennsylvania)
La. (Louisiana) R. I. (Rhode Island)
Me. (Maine)
Standard Number of Errors
VI. ( ) VI. ( )
VII. ( ) VII. ( )
VIII. ( ) VIII. ( )
23 24
S. C. (South Carolina) A. M. (Forenoon)
S. Dak. (South Dakota) Agt. (Agent)
Tenn. (Tennessee) Assn. (association)
Tex. (Texas) A1. (First class)
Utah
Vt. (Vermont) bbl. (barrel)
Va. (Virginia) bbls. (barrels)
Wash. (Washington) bldg. (building)
W. Va. (West Virginia) bu. (bushel)
Wis. (Wisconsin) Capt. (Captain)
Wyo. (Wyoming) C.O.D. (Collect on
Cuba Delivery)
Philippine Islands c; ct. (cent)
Porto Rico cr. (credit)
Co. (Company or cwt. (hundredweight)
County) doz. (dozen)
Messrs. (Gentlemen) gal. (gallon)
R.F.D. (Rural Free ft. (foot or feet)
Delivery) F.O.B. (Free on Board)
Hon. (Honorable)
acct. (account) i.e. (that is)
Dr. (Doctor or debtor) N. B. (take notice)
Treas. (Treasurer)
Standard Number of Errors
VI. ( ) VI. ( )
VII. ( ) VII. ( )
VIII. ( ) VIII. ( )
25 Special Review
Jour. (Journal) Chautauqua
in. (inch or inches) fraternally
mdse. (merchandise) schedule
ass't (assistant) guaranteed
Jr. (Junior) privilege
Mdlle. (Mademoiselle) affectionately
mfg. (manufacturing) guarantee
oz. (ounces) rheumatism
sec'y (secretary) judgment
pkg. (package) efficiency
pr. (pair) recommend
pd. (paid) referred
P. M. (afternoon) disappoint
mgr. (manager) immediately
P. S. (postscript) referring
pub. (publisher) equipped
qt. (quart) grateful
St. (Saint or street) bulletin
Supt. (superintendent) all right
viz. (namely) mortgage
Standard Number of Errors
VI. ( ) VI. (16)
VII. ( ) VII. (13)
VIII. ( ) VIII. (10)
S-1 S-2 S-3
descend postpone resources
necktie political respectable
swallow elaborate sentiment
nonsense exporting seriously
oatmeal kidney suddenly
wireless locations tablespoon
afloat memorial telegraph
tiresome muscular preparatory
horseback negotiate commencing
housework peculiar warranted
wealthy unlikely occupant
scarlet purposes performance
whiskers readiness physiology
scissors recognize bacteria
scramble remaining beginner
scribble resemble beneficial
sweetness military proportions
heaviest blossoms intentions
slippers coloring accustomed
accepted chemical opposition
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 9 VI. 9 VI. 12
VII. 6 VII. 6 VII. 8
VIII. 3 VIII. 3 VIII. 5
S-4 S-5 S-6
attempting expressing machines
economize expressions honored
carelessness suggestions endorsed
stenographer likelihood occasional
decoration manufactures epistle
particulars maintained misspell
grandmother maintaining innocent
extravagance occasions inferred
firecracker notwithstanding matured
exposition remitting proffer
partially sentiments invested
pleasantly specialty logic
congenial unsettled audited
carnation beforehand academy
gophers misunderstand formally
whatsoever alteration importing
demonstrate apologies masonic
disposition appreciates mutilate
embroider contribution shelving
prescription developments socialist
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 12 VI. 12 VI. 12
VII. 8 VII. 8 VII. 8
VIII. 5 VIII. 5 VIII. 5
S-7 S-8 S-9
tenement accorded comment
thereabouts activities descriptive
transacted adjustable declamation
indigestion affectionate deducted
interruption undershirt economical
facilitate appropriate encouragement
facility approximately endeavor
fraternity cemetery endeavoring
inaugurate commodities expectation
mathematics comparatively faculties
reciprocate critical feasible
tabernacle introduce financing
thermometer dreadfully hysterics
vivisection dividend ignoramus
affiliated purchases inability
appreciative directories industrious
indefinitely disaster pocketbook
probability dictionary representatives
informal depositing instructions
dressmaker depository sufficiently
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 13 VI. 12 VI. 12
VII. 10 VII. 8 VII. 9
VIII. 7 VIII. 5 VIII. 6
S-10 S-11 S-12
detain alcohol exceedingly
deprive charity insignificant
exhaust comedy wonderfully
whoever imitate measurement
expire invalid sacrifice
faithful lovable sarcastic
frequent operate satisfying
happiest opium selecting
disgust remodel temperance
apology taxicab thoughtfulness
homelike allowing marriage
hopeful borrowing unanswered
intrude chocolate undertaking
lantern promises willingly
liquor conductor population
output congress advisability
outrage decorate agreement
physic deposits celebration
becoming developed comparison
discount discover emergency
Standard Number of Errors
VI. 9 VI. 10 VI. 12
VII. 6 VII. 7 VII. 9
VIII. 3 VIII. 4 VIII. 6
USE OF THE CONTRACTION
One of the first things to learn in writing letters is that the form
and style of the letter must be suited to the message which the letter
contains, and to the relationship which exists between the person who
sends the letter and the one who is to receive it. The style of
business letters must be clear, direct, and dignified. With certain
exceptions, as in sales letters, such letters are usually made very
impersonal. On the other hand, personal letters are quite properly
regarded by many as a sort of conversation in writing. In writing to
friends or to relatives one usually desires to be informal. One of the
ways of achieving this informality is through the use of colloquial
English and contractions. In the past, many teachers of English have
cautioned students against the use of contractions in letters; but an
examination of the correspondence of writers whose letters are
regarded as models shows that most of these authors use contractions
very freely. If you will read the letters of Henry Adams, Stevenson,
Gray, Henry James, Lamb, Carroll, Walpole, Keats, Emily Dickinson,
Thackeray, Dickens, and others, you will see that in writing to
friends and members of their families they wrote much as they would
have chatted with those to whom the letters were addressed.
In general, then, contractions are to be used only in informal or
friendly correspondence. In letters to strangers and in most business
correspondence they should be avoided. Perhaps the best guide to the
proper use of contractions is to be found in the models of writers who
are famous for their personal letters.
can't "You can't be too careful." (Lamb)
don't "... for, O, I don't know how long." (Stevenson)
doesn't "He doesn't agree with them all ..." (Stevenson)
won't "This sort of thing won't do." (H. James)
it's "... It's a glorious afternoon ..." (E. Dickinson)
I'm "I'm three parts through Burns; ..." (Stevenson)
I'll "I'll try to improve it ..." (Stevenson)
haven't "... I haven't yet had time to give ..." (H. James)
you'll "You'll never guess; ..." (Carroll)
isn't "It isn't like gold ..." (E. Dickinson)
I've "So I've been idle." (Stevenson)
we'll "We'll finish an education sometime ..." (E. Dickinson)
wouldn't "... but Stephen wouldn't allow it ..." (Stevenson)
didn't "... I didn't see him." (Fitzgerald)
I'd "Another shot and I'd have gone to kingdom come." (Stevenson)
you'd "... and I beg you'd believe me ..." (Gray)
hadn't "... if you hadn't seen her ..." (H. James)
hasn't "This ought to have made me gay, but it hasn't." (Stevenson)
couldn't "If it were easy to write a play, I couldn't ... think
of it." (H. James)
wasn't "Wasn't it curious?" (Carroll)
DICTATION EXERCISES
The following letters contain a large number of words which occur with
relatively high frequency in correspondence, and are quite likely to
be misspelled by persons of eighth grade education. They should be
dictated in short phrases of three to five words without repetition,
pausing after each dictated phrase for the children to write. The rate
should be such, however, that the dictation and writing will be
completed in the time designated in the note preceding each letter. On
the average this will be about one and one-half lines per minute. A
little practice will enable the teacher to dictate at this rate
without difficulty.
Pupils should be able to write these letters at the given speed
without hesitation or error of spelling before they have completed the
work of this grade.
LETTER NO. 1
This letter should be dictated in three sections. The first exercise
extends to the end of the first paragraph, including the heading and
salutation, and should be written in 8 minutes. The second exercise
includes the second and third paragraphs and should be written in 9
minutes. The third exercise completes the letter and should be written
in 6-1/2 minutes.
Des Moines, Iowa,
June 2, 1920.
DEAR MAMMA,
I suppose you feel that I have been very slow about writing, but I
haven't had a minute for either letter writing or pleasure the past
few days. I took my last test this forenoon--the terrible and much
dreaded literature examination. It lasted from ten o'clock until noon,
and though it was different from what I had expected I think I got
along all right. I probably won't get an excellent grade, for I just
had to make a guess at one answer I didn't know, but you can't imagine
how happy I am to be all through. Tomorrow will be the last day of
school and our superintendent is going to let us celebrate with a
class party.
Aunt Lucy wants me to stay with her another month, but I am coming
home Saturday, for I know I'll be eager to get back to the farm just
as soon as we have good weather again. Last Sunday I accepted Edith's
invitation to spend the day with her. She lives about thirty miles
from Des Moines, and I enjoyed the drive over the country roads. I'm
sure I'll never lose my love for the farm.
I must tell you, too, about Edith's brother, a lieutenant, who got his
commission at the same time John did. He is personally acquainted with
John's captain and knew several other men in that company. I was very
much interested in his account of his army experiences.
I appreciated the check you enclosed in your last letter, for I needed
some money for my new dress. I never realized before this year how much
it costs to clothe a girl. I wish you were here to advise me what kind
of material to get. I miss your judgment when I try to go shopping
alone. Aunt Lucy's voile dress has given her a great deal of service,
and so I think I'll decide on that material for my best summer dress.
Remember me to the boys when you write, and give my love to
Grandmother. I do hope her rheumatism is better.
Affectionately,
HELEN.
LETTER NO. 2
This letter should be dictated in two sections. The first exercise
extends to the end of the first paragraph, including the heading and
salutation, and should be written in 12 minutes. The second exercise
completes the letter and should be written in 7 minutes.
October 18, 1920.
Iowa Land and Loan Company,
706-712 Commerce Building,
Des Moines, Iowa.
GENTLEMEN,
We take this occasion to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the
17th inst., and sincerely appreciate the interest which you have shown
in our association. We must find a permanent location for our
Chautauqua, and believe that we have found lots which will be
satisfactory, especially since they are in a really pleasant locality,
convenient to the college. Since it will be necessary to investigate
this business opportunity immediately, we are referring the matter to
a committee and we feel the analysis of the situation will be
complete. The committee to which this matter is referred will probably
recommend giving a mortgage but quite certainly will receive advice on
this point from representative citizens. The money to carry on the
investigation is in the First National Bank, the certificate of
deposit being in the hands of the treasurer of the association.
If possible the members of the association would like to issue the
bulletin which contains the course by the beginning of the season,
whether the matter of permanent grounds is thoroughly investigated, or
not. Experience has taught us, too, that the bulletins are received
with more enthusiasm at an early date.
The truly awful accident of last year in which two people were killed
when the tent fell will have its influence on our present campaign for
a permanent building.
Kindly give this matter your attention at your earliest convenience.
Respectfully yours,
HENRY JONES.
LETTER NO. 3
This letter should be dictated in two sections. The first exercise
extends to the end of the second paragraph and should be written in 7
minutes. The second exercise completes the letter and should be
written in 9 minutes.
Minneapolis, Minnesota,
March 26, 1920.
DEAR FATHER,
You can see from the article which I enclose that we did not
disappoint our principal, even though it has been impossible to
practice during the past week. Under the circumstances it doesn't seem
possible that we could have won, but maybe our success was due to
having no practice before the game. Some of the teams seemed rather
over-trained.
The coach changed me to right forward, although, as you know, I
usually play at guard. I suppose there was a doubt in his mind as to
whether I could guard the tall forwards on some of the teams.
Our team never played together better. We didn't have so great a
variety of plays as some of the other teams, but relied almost
entirely upon our short passing game. What I liked especially was that
there wasn't a single poor official. One of the officials was the man
who spoke last fall on our community health program.
I suppose the team will reach home Saturday night. I am sure that we
ought not to stay here later than Saturday noon. The teams were
entertained at the various fraternity houses and the men have been
very much crowded to make room for us. We certainly appreciate the
good treatment we have received from these men and from everyone.
Affectionately, your son,
HARRY.
LETTER NO. 4