Why Use a Dictionary? to see how to spell a word to learn how
to pronounce a word correctly to define a word to find synonyms and
antonyms for a word to find out how many syllables are in a word to
find out what part of speech a word is 2
Slide 3
Using guide words and entry words Guide words show the first
word and the last word on the page. The guide words on this page
are alone and alumnus. Entry words are in ABC order. They are in
bold print. 3
Slide 4
Alphabetical Order Practice 4 ABC Train Alphabetical Order
Powerpoint Paw Park Alphabet Bears ABC Order
Slide 5
Quick way to look for a word ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Start
by going to the beginning, middle or end of the dictionary to
locate a word. Example: If you were looking for the word cat, would
you find the word in the beginning, middle or end of the
dictionary? How about: forgetshakeopposite 5
Slide 6
Now lets find words in the dictionary using the Quick way. You
will work with a partner to put a set of words in alphabetical
order. You will use the guide words to help you locate the words.
Handout Vacabulary 4 Square worksheet You will write the definition
of the word. Once you write the definitions of all the words, you
will locate the same words in an on-line dictionary.
http://www.wordcentral.com/home.html 6
Slide 7
pronunciation (a way of speaking a word). A dictionary uses
symbols to indicate the sounds of the letters in a word. 7
Slide 8
syllable (part of a spoken word). A dictionary generally uses
dots between the syllables of a word. Practice clapping the number
of syllables in these words. continent
http://www.wordcentral.com/cgi-
bin/student?book=Student&va=cont inent
http://www.wordcentral.com/cgi-
bin/student?book=Student&va=cont inent Ecosystem
http://www.wordcentral.com/cgi-
bin/student?book=Student&va=ecos ystem
http://www.wordcentral.com/cgi-
bin/student?book=Student&va=ecos ystem 8
Slide 9
synonym (one of two or more words that have highly similar
meanings). A dictionary may list synonyms for a word. Can you guess
the synonym for little? Click for answers small Can you guess the
synonym for rock? stone Can you guess the synonym for funny? silly
9
Slide 10
antonym (a word that is the opposite of another word). A
dictionary may list an antonym for a word. Can you guess an antonym
for happy? click for answers sad Can you guess an antonym for happy
short? tall Can you guess an antonym for dark? light 10
Slide 11
part of speech (how a word is used in a sentence). A dictionary
generally indicates what part of speech a word is, depending upon
how it is used in a sentence. n. (noun) The word names a person,
place, or thing; e.g., child, dog, park. v. (verb) The word
expresses an action or state of being; e.g., jump, fall, was. adj.
(adjective) The word describes a person, place, or thing; e.g.,
happy, wet, tiny. adv. (adverb) The word describes an action; e.g.,
quickly, well, loudly. 11
Slide 12
Can you guess what parts of speech these words are? Click on
the link to check your answers. Capitol
http://www.wordcentral.com/cgi-
bin/student?book=Student&va=capitol rapidly
http://www.wordcentral.com/cgi-
bin/student?book=Student&va=rapidly My
http://www.wordcentral.com/cgi- bin/student?book=Student&va=my
Listen http://www.wordcentral.com/cgi-
bin/student?book=Student&va=listen 12