MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH INSTRUCTION: Unit 5, Lesson 1
1
Focus of the lesson: using word reference materials
(dictionary, thesaurus)
1.
Dictionary
When using a print dictionary, you should be familiar with the following features of
each entry.
Entry Word. Each word listed is printed in boldface, or heavy, letters. The breaks
between syllables are indicated by spacing, dashes, or dots. Here is an example:
glo.ry. The entry word tells you the correct spelling and where to break the word
when it won't fit on a line.
Respelling. The respelling of the word appears next, usually in parentheses. It
uses symbols that show how to pronounce the word
glo•ry (glôr' ë)
In the dictionary, the symbols are explained in a key at the front of every page or
every second page. Boldface accent marks show which syllable gets most stress
when you say the word. A lighter accent mark indicates a syllable with a lighter
stress.
Part of Speech. Each entry word is used as at least one part of speech. The
meanings in an entry are grouped by part of speech. The part of speech used most
often is usually listed first. Notice in this example the additional information given
about the part of speech:
glo~ry (glôr' ë.) n., pl -ries
The n stands for "noun." The pl. stands for "plural." The -ries shows that the plural
form of the noun glory is spelled glories. To find the right meaning of a word, you
need not read all the meanings in the entry. First determine the part of speech of
the word in its sentence. Then look for that part of speech in the entry.
Word Origin. Some dictionaries give the word origin after the part of speech.
Others give it at the end of the entry. It is usually set off by brackets. The
abbreviations and symbols inside the brackets tell how the word came into English.
The abbreviations and symbols are explained, usually, at the front of the dictionary.
glo.ry (glôr' E) n. pl. -ries {<OFr. <L. gloria}
The example shows that glory came from Old French, which took it from Latin. In
Latin it was spelled gloria.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH INSTRUCTION: Unit 5, Lesson 1
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Definitions. The entry may list many definitions, or meanings, grouped by parts of
speech. First find the part of speech you need. Then search for the meaning that
fits best in the sentence you have read.
ACTIVITY 5-1-1 Complete the activity for dictionary skills.
ACTIVITY ON DICTIONARY SKILLS
DIRECTIONS: For this activity, you will use the Merriam-Webster
online dictionary found at the link below.
Webster's Online Dictionary
Use the Webster online dictionary to complete the following tasks.
1. Look up the word ARCHAIC. Then answer the following questions about the
word.

How many syllables are in ARCHAIC? ______

From what language was the word originally derived? __________________

What is the word’s part of speech? ______________________

What is a one-word synonym for ARCHAIC? ________________________
2.
Look up the word MALAPROPISM.

In your own words, what does it mean? _____________________________
________________________________________________________________

Give one example of a malapropism listed in the dictionary ______________
________________________________________________________________

Each of the following sentences at the top of the next age contains a
malapropism. Write in the correct word above the malapropism.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH INSTRUCTION: Unit 5, Lesson 1
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A.
The dentist extradited two of my teeth.
B.
We’ve got such noisesome neighbors that sometimes you can’t hear
yourself think.
3.
Use the dictionary to answer the following questions:
A.
Which is larger, a hectare or an acre? ______________________________
B.
How many kilograms are in a tonne? ______________________________
C.
Horse races are often measured in furlongs. How long is an 8-furlong
race?
_____________________________________________________________
D.
Sailors measure the depth of water in fathoms. How many fathoms are in
12 feet?
_____________________________________________________________
2.
Thesaurus
For information about a thesaurus and its uses, access the following
site:
Using a Thesaurus
The problem with using a thesaurus is that the list of words does not deal with
connotations, so a writer must be very careful to select a word that jibes with the
subject and tone of his/her writing. For that reason, the writer may want to look up
an unfamiliar word in the dictionary to make sure it is an appropriate choice.
ACTIVITY 5-1-2
Complete the activity on page 4 of this lesson.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH INSTRUCTION: Unit 5, Lesson 1
PRACTICE WITH THE THESAURUS
DIRECTIONS: In the sentences below, replace the over-used word good with
another word which is more precise and vivid. Use a thesaurus (Merriam-Webster
Online thesaurus) to find the words you need. (BE SURE TO SELECT THE
THESAURUS.)
1.
The child's behavior had been good all day.
REPLACEMENT: ________________________
2.
It is a good day today.
REPLACEMENT: ________________________
3.
They sell good clothes in that shop.
REPLACEMENT: ________________________
4.
He is a good runner.
REPLACEMENT: ________________________
5.
They all had a good time.
REPLACEMENT: ________________________
6.
His test results were good.
REPLACEMENT: ________________________
7.
She was a good mother.
REPLACEMENT: ________________________
8.
The birthday cake was very good.
REPLACEMENT: ________________________
9.
I just read a good book.
REPLACEMENT: ________________________
10.
Joe hopes to find a good job after college.
REPLACEMENT: ____________________
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