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.
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 6–½ minutes.
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.