English 12A: Unit 3
from The Preface to A Dictionary of the English Language and
from A Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson
from The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell
Name_________________________________________________ Date____________________
Vocabulary Builder
Using the Root -dict- (p. 663)
A. DIRECTIONS: The words that follow each contain the word root -dict-, from the Latin for “to
say.” Information about the prefix or suffix of each word is contained in parentheses. On the
line, write the word that best completes each sentence.
dictate (-ate = “act on”)
dictator (-or = “one that does something”)
diction (-ion = “action or process”)
predict (pre- = “before”)
1. When the____________________seized power, he immediately censored the newspapers.
2. Because their scientific instruments were precise, the meteorologists were able
to____________________accurately the arrival of the storm.
3. The executive began____________________to her speech into the tape recorder.
4. The actor’s good____________________enhanced his reading of the short story.
Using the Word List (p. 646)
abasement
adulterations
caprices
credulity
malignity
risible
B. DIRECTIONS: Match each word in the left column with its definition in the right column.
Write the letter of the definition on the line next to the word it defines.
___ 1. adulterations
A. condition of being put down or humbled
___ 2. risible
B. tendency to believe too readily
___ 3. caprices
C. strong desire to harm others
___ 4. abasement
D. prompting laughter
___ 5. malignity
E. whims
___ 6. credulity
F. impurities
Grade 12, Unit 3
1
from The Preface to A Dictionary of the English Language and
from A Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson
Critical Reading Questions
1. Among what class of workers does Johnson place writers of dictionaries? _________________
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2. What does this ranking suggest about his experience in compiling his Dictionary? __________
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3. What did the English language lack when Johnson undertook his work? __________________
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4. What do you think Johnson hoped his Dictionary would make available to English speakers and
writers? ____________________________________________________________________
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5. What is Johnson’s definition of modern? ___________________________________________
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6. Compare and contrast Johnson’s definition of this word with our definition of it today. Explain what
different values each represents. _______________________________________________
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7. What does your comparison above indicate about the nature of language? _________________
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8. Which definitions are most revealing of Johnson’s character and situation? ________________
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9. What do these definitions reveal about Johnson? _____________________________________
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Grade 12, Unit 3
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10. Why do you think electricity receives such a long definition? _________________________
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11. In what ways is Johnson similar to the scientists whose work he eagerly discusses in this entry?
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12. What does Johnson’s use of quotations suggest about the role of authors in shaping meaning?
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13. Do you find Johnson’s definitions more or less useful than those of modern dictionaries? Explain.
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Literary Analysis: Dictionary
Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary was not the first to attempt to include all the English words in one volume.
However, it was the first dictionary to set a standard for how all English words should be used. Today’s English
dictionaries list and define words and provide information about their pronunciation, history, and usage. A modern
dictionary entry may also contain a word’s syllabication, part(s) of speech, and the definitions for the word in each
part of speech. Some dictionaries have synonym studies, which help users achieve the precise diction and tone
they are seeking. Some entries contain a history of the word, correct grammatical usage of the word, illustrations,
antonyms, idioms, and foreign words and phrases. Modern dictionaries may also contain roots and other
combining forms, abbreviations, and bibliographic and geographic entries. Some even have a section containing
brief biographies, or information about the lives of well-known people. Electronic dictionaries on computers have
expanded the capabilities of dictionaries. If you are unsure of a spelling, you can enter an approximation of the
word and be given choices of possible entries. When looking for a word that fits a particular meaning, you can
search the dictionary by entering key words that might be found in its definition.
DIRECTIONS: Read the entry for gang (p. 652) in Johnson’s dictionary and list the different pieces of
information he supplies about the word; then look up the word gang in a modern dictionary and note
the similarities and differences in the kinds of information supplied. Fill in the chart..
Johnson’s
Dictionary
Both

Modern
Dictionary

Grade 12, Unit 3
3
from The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell (pp. 654-661)
Critical Reading Questions
1. How did Boswell meet Johnson? ___________________________________________
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2. What does their conversation at that meeting tell you about each of them? __________
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3. What are some of the topics Johnson discusses that Boswell records “without marking the
questions and observations” that produced them? _______________________________
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4. What do Johnson’s opinions on these topics suggest about his interests and knowledge?
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5. Briefly summarize Boswell’s remarks on Johnson’s character. ___________________
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6. Would Johnson have been less interesting if he had been less “contradictory”? Explain.
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7. Which label, if any, suits each author better, inventor or conservator? Explain. In your
response, use at least two of these Essential Question words: commentary, conventional,
authentic. [Connecting to the Essential Question: What is the relationship of the writer to
tradition?] ______________________________________________________________
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Grade 12, Unit 3
4
Reading Strategy: Analyze the Author’s Purpose
You analyze the author’s purpose, or goal in writing, in order to get a clearer idea of the work’s
meaning. Every writer has a reason for sitting down to compose something. That purpose
may be to express a certain idea, to persuade people to accept an opinion, to change a situation,
to inform his or her readers, to entertain them, to figure something out. Once you understand
that purpose—the why of the work—you will understand the author’s meaning—the what.
An author’s purpose shapes the meaning of what he or she writes. For example, James
Boswell’s purpose in writing The Life of Samuel Johnson was to capture on paper the greatness
of a very contradictory and large personality, someone whom Boswell dearly loved. As you read
Boswell’s work, you will notice that he gives examples of Johnson’s admirable and less admirable
traits. Understanding Boswell’s purpose allows you to understand why Boswell
included these examples. You know that he was writing to shed light on a man who was so
memorable—and lovable—because his personality was so rich and complex.
Selection
Author’s Purpose
or Perspective
Example from
Text
Effect on Meaning
from The Preface to
A Dictionary of the
English Language
from A Dictionary of
the English
Language
from The Life of
Samuel Johnson
Grade 12, Unit 3
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