ESL SPELL The 2008 Adult ESL Spelling Competition

An Invitation to all Adult ESL Learners and their Teachers to be a part of the SECOND Toronto-wide Adult ESL Spelling Competition.

WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR?

We have an expanded format. That means more ESL/LINC learners can compete for prizes.

There will be 2 Run-off Competitions at both the lower and the higher ESL/LINC levels.
Each Run-off Competition will see 30 contestants compete. The top 15 contestants left undefeated in each of these competitions will then advance to the Final Competition.

A quick math check will show you that there will be 60 contestants in each level and 30 Finalists at each level will get to the Final Competitions.

A NEW LOCATION

The Run-off Competitions will be held at the Toronto Star Auditorium.
The Final Competitions will be held in the Council Chamber at Toronto City Hall.
All ESL and LINC Centres and Classes are invited to the Final Competition!

THE CHALLENGE

The challenge is the same as last year. If you are a Level 2, 3, 4 or a Level 5, 6, 7 ESL Learner, take a look at the Spelling List for your level of competition.

Some words are easy, some are hard.

The Challenge is to be able to spell these words completely from memory. Think you can do it?

But—you are not alone! Your teachers will help you. Your classmates will coach you. Maybe even your kids?

It’s up to you! Represent your class. Represent your school/centre.

Win First, Second, or Third Prize for your school/centre, teacher, classmates, and for yourself.

And prove to all Adult ESL Learners that spelling is not only fun but will give you confidence and help you expand your Vocabulary, improve your Pronunciation, and increase your Listening Skills.

BIGGER PRIZES

This year we are happy to announce that we have been able to increase the Prize Money.

First Prize: $300
Second Prize: $200
Third Prize: $100

It pays to learn English!

WHO CAN REGISTER

Please note: You must provide proof through your most recent LINC or ESL assessment that you have a CBL between Levels 2 and 7 and you must be enrolled in an Adult LINC/ESL school or centre. You will also have to provide the name of your teacher and your school or centre. If you are a visitor or foreign student, we’re sorry, but you won’t be eligible to enter the competition.

Special Note:

If you were a Contestant last year but did not win, you can submit your name for this year’s competition.

If you were a Winner in the Lower Level Competition, you can submit your name for the Higher Level Competition.

HOW TO REGISTER

Follow the links to download the registration materials. They include:

The Registration Form: (Link)
Competition Guidelines: (Link)
Suggestions re Preparing for the Competition: (Link)
Spelling Lists: (Link)

DATES, TIMES, and PLACES

RUN-OFF COMPETITIONS FOR LEVELS 2 TO 4:

Tuesday, October 21, 6:30 PM. The Toronto Star Auditorium
Thursday, October 23, 6:30 PM. The Toronto Star Auditorium

RUN-OFF COMPETITIONS FOR LEVELS 5 TO 7:

Tuesday, October 28, 6:30 PM. The Toronto Star Auditorium
Thursday, October 30, 6:30 PM. The Toronto Star Auditorium


FINAL COMPETITION FOR LEVELS 2 TO 4:

Thursday, November 6, 6:30 PM. Toronto City Hall, Council Chamber

FINAL COMPETITION FOR LEVELS 5 TO 7:

Thursday, November 13, 6:30 PM. Toronto City Hall, Council Chamber


AWARDS NIGHT

The Awards Night will be Friday, November 21, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM..

All participants, coaches, teachers, family and friends and students across the GTA are invited to see the 6 winners receive their awards and prizes.

As we did last year, we will be presenting certificates to all participants and centres. Make sure you come and get yours!

Deadline for Registration!

The deadline for the competition is October 5, 2008, 12 midnight. You can register via http://www.tesltoronto.org/. Or go to our blog at http://www.eslspell.blogspot.com/ . Just download the registration form and email it as a Word attachment to esl.spell@gmail.com. Please ask your teacher or centre/school to help you with the emailing.

If you need further information or if you have questions, you can reach us by email at esl.spell@gmail.com or by phone at 416-939-3525. And check http://www.eslspell.blogspot.com/ for special spelling tips and fun spelling activities.

The 2007 Video: A great tool for teachers to give their classes a feel for what it’s like to be a part of the competition. You can purchase a copy for $15.00 at http://www.azureproduction.com/esl.

A Final Word

The aim of this Spelling Competition is not only to assist Adult ESL Learners in feeling more and more successful in learning English, but also to enhance the team spirit in the classroom, where individuals or groups, it is hoped, will help those who enter the competition memorize the words they will need to spell.

Happy Spelling!

Channah Cohen, Creator and Chair of the Competition
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We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of The Toronto Star.