There are two basic types of spelling word lists for students of all ages. Sight words are words that must be memorised by sight as they are troublesome to sound out, while phonics lists are lists based on common sounds.

The Ayres Spelling Scale is perhaps the oldest spelling list used by educators. First published in 1915, it contains 1,000 of the most commonly used words. The theory is that if children can learn to spell the words on the Ayres list, they should be able to write and spell without many mistakes.

The words are made up of words in common use such as days of the week and commonly used prepositions. Words are listed in alphabetical order rather than in the order of difficulty.

The way this list is put together makes it an excellent tool for older students who are learning to read the English language. There is less need to separate words into grade levels and so they may be learned alphabetically.

Here are the 1,000 words from the Ayres Spelling List in alphabetical order: