Spelling challenge

Francis has always been my spelling warrior. Other subjects may be a challenge at times, but he always comes through in spelling (and vocabulary). So, when I was entering some grades on Seton's database yesterday, I was surprised when I saw he had earned a 72% on a spelling test. It was earlier in the quarter, and I had forgotten about it. And since spelling tests are usually on Friday afternoons, sometimes I'm half paying attention.

Well, after I looked through the spelling list, I was no longer so surprised that he earned a 72% (not sure where my head was the day I gave this quiz -- I should have made him redo). These were some hard words for 8th grade! I actually had to look up more than several, which is saying something, since I have a degree in journalism, and words were a fairly important part of my fabulous education (sarcasm hopefully noted here). And I am sure I would have misspelled more than a few.

So, here's a little test for you. Here is the complete list from Lesson 33 in Seton's 8th grade Spelling Book. See how many you know (not the spelling, but the meaning), and guess how many you would spell correctly. Click on the word to cheat (although I'm sure you won't need to). ;o)

ecclesiastic
agnosticism
imprimatur
mystical
plenary
anathema
encyclical
justification
ontology
exegesis
annulment
apocryphal
liturgical
pantheism
reconcile
dispensation
congregation
magisterium
paschal
renunciation
allegorical
immanence
celibacy
phenomenon
revelation

Note: I don't grade on "meaning" on spelling quizzes, but I do check to see if the know them. Hopefully all this information will pay off on the SATs (if not life)!