Vocabulary Test Takes Away Some National Spelling Bee Drama

By BEN NUCKOLS, Associated Press, San Francisco Chronicle
Mon, 05/25/2015 - 3:27am

WASHINGTON (AP) — For viewers of last year's Scripps National Spelling Bee, one of the most surprising results came courtesy of a test nobody saw. While participants and bee officials say it's made the competition fairer — everyone is tested on the same words — it has taken some of the drama away from the semifinal rounds. "Lots of people would like to see people going up and spelling words and seeing how they used to do it, just to spell until everyone drops," Vanya said. Tim Weinkauf, the lead producer of ESPN's coverage, said he'll take advantage of that change by showing golf-style leaderboards and highlighting the spellers who can work their way into the finals if someone ahead of them falters. The bee's executive director, Paige Kimble, heard plenty of complaints that ending the semifinals that way was unfair. The 285 participants in this year's National Spelling Bee have already proven they're better spellers than 11 million other kids — and to spell at that level, it's essential to at least have some idea what the words mean.

NEXT
BING NEWS:
  • Mann Middle School student to compete in national spelling bee for 2nd time
    Last year, Abilene was represented in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and this year, Mann Middle School student Sariah Titus is making another appearance. Titus competed at the competition in 5th ...
    05/3/2024 - 9:34 am | View Link
  • Seven Missouri students buzz their way to national spelling bee
    The top spellers in the United States and beyond will attempt to spell many complex words in the Washington, D.C. area this month, including seven Missouri students. Students will be competing in the ...
    05/1/2024 - 6:20 pm | View Link
  • Harris Road's Bulusu ready to compete in Scripps National Spelling Bee next month
    Phaneendra Bulusu is about to be in pretty rarefied air. The Harris Road sixth-grade student will be competing against the best spellers from across the country in next month's Scripps National ...
    04/27/2024 - 10:00 pm | View Link
  • 3-time Regional Spelling Bee champion from Lakeview prepares for national bee
    WFMJ Regional Spelling Bee champion, Joey Constantine, was honored for his big win by the Youngstown Kiwanis Club. On Friday, WFMJ Regional Spelling Bee champion, Joey Constantine, was honored for his ...
    04/26/2024 - 12:03 pm | View Link
  • Sixth grader at Otsego Junior High School to compete in Scripps National Spelling Bee in May
    That is a reality for Otsego Junior High School sixth grader Kendall Mehl, who earned the honors after winning the Northwest Ohio Regional Spelling Bee on March 9.
    04/15/2024 - 8:55 am | View Link
  • More

 

NEXT
Welcome to Wopular!

Welcome to Wopular

Wopular is an online newspaper rack, giving you a summary view of the top headlines from the top news sites.

Senh Duong (Founder)
Wopular, MWB, RottenTomatoes

Subscribe to Wopular's RSS Fan Wopular on Facebook Follow Wopular on Twitter Follow Wopular on Google Plus

MoviesWithButter : Our Sister Site

Movies With Butter More Movie News

More News

  • Klan Mom Marge Has A Sad: 'Fox News Called Me An Idiot'
    The Daily Dot, Sunday - 05/05/2024 - 05:53 PM

    Marjorie Taylor Greene's attempt to oust Mike Johnson as Speaker is so laughable that even Fox News has had enough. "It’s high time someone in the Republican Party told Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to turn all that bombastic self-serving showmanship and drama queen energy on Democrats, and stop trying to defeat her own party," Peek said in her lengthy piece. Greene joined Trump's co-conspirator in trying to overthrow the 2020 election, Steve Bannon to b*tch and moan. And you're right, Fox News called me an idiot.

    More | Talk | Read It Later | Share
  • Tim Scott Won't Commit To Acceptance Of 2024 Election Results
    The Daily Dot, Sunday - 05/05/2024 - 05:53 PM

    Sen. Tim Scott, who is reported to be on Trump's short list for VP, continues to beclown himself in the service of Dear Leader. Scott made an appearance on this Sunday's Meet the Press, and was asked by host Kristen Welker about Trump's statement this week that he "would not commit to accepting the election results of 2024 if he loses" and the fact that Trump "still hasn't conceded the last election." After pointing out that Scott did certify the last election and admitted that it wasn't stolen, Welker asked Scott "Why would you join a ticket with someone who believes the exact opposite on this critical point?," which led to this absolutely ridiculous exchange:read more

    More | Talk | Read It Later | Share
  • 'Trump Diapers; For When You're Losing Your Sh*t'
    The Daily Dot, Sunday - 05/05/2024 - 03:25 PM

    A new Lincoln Project spot takes aim at what’s allegedly inside Donald Trump’s pants. Via Florida Politics: “We know Donald ‘Von ShitzInPants’ Trump will hate that this commercial is going to be seen by all his top donors this weekend as they do Apprentice-style tryouts with potential Vice Presidential picks,” said Rick Wilson, Lincoln Project co-founder.

    More | Talk | Read It Later | Share
  • Ron De Santis To Solve Climate Change By Not Mentioning It
    The Daily Dot, Sunday - 05/05/2024 - 03:25 PM

    There's a bill on Ron DeSantis’ desk that, if he signs it, would end the state’s support of renewable and clean energy and keep Florida reliant on fossil fuels. Via the Sun-Sentinel: If signed, the law would reverse 16 years of state policy, finishing the work started by former Gov. Rick Scott and undoing Gov.

    More | Talk | Read It Later | Share
  • What To Know About Prince William’s Net Worth
    Time, Sunday - 05/05/2024 - 03:12 PM

    You may find yourself asking: How wealthy is the British royal family? The answer is far from simple. “One of the problems with the net worth is that it’s very, very difficult to calculate,” royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams tells TIME. The exact net worth of any royal family member is unknown, and estimates from online sources range.

    More | Talk | Read It Later | Share
  • Titanic, Lord of the Rings Actor Bernard Hill Remembered by Peers After Death Aged 79
    Time, Sunday - 05/05/2024 - 02:24 PM

    LONDON — Actor Bernard Hill, who delivered a rousing cry before leading his people into battle in “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” and went down with the ship as the captain in “Titanic,” has died. Hill, 79, passed away Sunday morning, agent Lou Coulson said. Hill joined “The Lord Of The Rings” franchise in the second film of the trilogy, 2002’s “The Two Towers,” as Théoden, King of Rohan.

    More | Talk | Read It Later | Share