There is only one correct spelling of the word
”
ratiocinate,
”
but many ways to make a mistake. To get it right, you need to
reason logically and methodically, precisely the definition of
”
ratiocinate.
”
Hollister – There is only one correct spelling of the word “ratiocinate,” but many ways to make a mistake. To get it right, you need to reason logically and methodically, precisely the definition of “ratiocinate.”
The tricky word is one of hundreds that could be given to seventh and eighth graders at the San Benito County Junior High Spelling Bee, which will be held March 2 at Marguerite Maze Middle School. The initial spelling bee will be a written test and the 25 spellers who do best, will qualify for the county spelling bee held at the middle school on March 17. The last two spellers standing will go on to compete in the state spelling bee in San Rafael on May 14.
The spelling bee is put on by the County Office of Education and is in its thirteenth year in San Benito County.
“There are lots of athletic competitions, but this is a chance to give kids a competition in academics,” said Kim O’Connor, a spelling bee coordinator.
Kids in fourth, fifth and sixth grades will also get a stab at spelling during preliminaries at Marguerite Maze March 1, followed by a countywide competition on March 14, also held at the school. Finalists will go on to compete with the best and brightest at the state spelling bee, to be held at Sonoma State University on May 14. The top two winners receive a $1,000 savings bond.
Up to 130 local kids, from both elementary and middle schools, are expected to participate in the first round of the spelling bee, said O’Connor. Registration for both elementary and middle school competitions will happen on site, 15 minutes before the competition. For more information, call Kim O’Connor at 630-1361.
Karina Ioffee covers education and agriculture for the Free Lance. Reach her at (831)637-5566 ext. 335 or
ki*****@fr***********.com