This study investigated the influence of spelling and pronunciation on academic performance
of students in English Language in secondary school in Obot Akara Local Government Area
of Akwa Ibom State. Two schools located in rural areas in Obot Akara were purposively
selected for the study. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. Four
variables, which include: dictation, pronunciation, reading and spelling were used to assess
the students. The students were tested individually; and scores on 100 percent basis were
noted. results obtained show that out of the 20 SSII students tested in English Language in
the first school, Students tested in English dictation and spelling, 25 percent got pass while
75 percent failed in the test in each tests respectively. Also, in the pronunciation test, 65
percent of the students fail while 35 percent got pass. Reading test recorded 70 percent
failure against 30 percent pass. At the second school, 75 percent of sampled students failed
the test on pronunciation, while 25 percent got pass; 70 percent failed in the reading test, and
30 percent got pass; 60 percent failed in spelling test and 40 percent passed; and 55 percent
failed in the dictation test while 45 percent passed. It was therefore established that students’
performance in English Language in these schools was not encouraging. A number of
suggestions were proffered.