Which type of spelling demonstrates comprehension of the English orthographic system?

Conventional spelling demonstrates comprehension of the English orthographic system because it reflects an understanding of standard spelling rules, patterns, and the accepted forms of written words as they are recognized in the language. At this stage, individuals are not merely applying phonetic sounds to spell words but have internalized the correct spellings of words based on their education and exposure to written language.

In contrast, transitional spelling indicates that a learner is moving from phonetic spelling to conventional spelling, showing some awareness of standard forms but not fully mastering them yet. Pre-phonetic spelling is characterized by random letter usage and a lack of understanding of the sound-letter correspondence, while phonetic spelling relies primarily on the sound of words, often resulting in misspellings that do not align with accepted conventions. Therefore, conventional spelling is the most advanced and accurate form demonstrating a complete understanding of the conventions of the English orthographic system.