Reference skills Chapter Notes | Language Arts for Grade 10 PDF Download

Introduction

Reference skills are essential tools for understanding and using language effectively. In this chapter, you will learn how to use dictionaries and thesauruses to improve your reading, writing, and communication skills. These skills help you find the meanings of words, understand how to use them correctly, and discover similar words to make your writing more interesting. By mastering these skills, you can become a more confident and precise communicator.

Use Dictionary Entries

• Understand what a dictionary entry is:
  • A dictionary entry is the complete information provided for a word in a dictionary.
  • It includes the word’s spelling, pronunciation, part of speech, meanings, and sometimes examples or origins.
• Learn the parts of a dictionary entry:
  • Headword: The word being defined, usually in bold.
  • Pronunciation: Shows how to say the word, often with symbols or phonetic spelling.
  • Part of speech: Tells if the word is a noun, verb, adjective, etc.
  • Definitions: Lists the meanings of the word, often numbered if there are multiple meanings.
  • Example sentences: Shows how the word is used in context.
  • Word origin: Explains where the word comes from, if included.
• Find a word in a dictionary:
  • Use alphabetical order to locate the word quickly.
  • Look at guide words at the top of dictionary pages to narrow down your search.
• Use both print and online dictionaries:
  • Print dictionaries are books you can flip through.
  • Online dictionaries are websites or apps where you type the word to find its entry.
• Practice reading dictionary entries:
  • Look up unfamiliar words when reading to understand their full entry.
  • Pay attention to all parts of the entry to get complete information.

Use Dictionary Definitions

• Understand dictionary definitions:
  • Definitions explain the meaning of a word in clear, simple language.
  • A word may have multiple definitions depending on how it’s used.
• Choose the correct definition:
  • Read the sentence or context where the word is used.
  • Match the context to the definition that fits best.
  • For example, “run” can mean to move fast or to manage something, so pick the right meaning based on the sentence.
• Use definitions to improve understanding:
  • Look up words you don’t know while reading to understand the text better.
  • Use definitions to clarify the meaning of words in your writing.
• Pay attention to multiple meanings:
  • Some words have different meanings depending on whether they’re used as a noun, verb, or adjective.
  • Check the part of speech to select the correct definition.
• Apply definitions in writing and speaking:
  • Use the definition to ensure you’re using the word accurately.
  • Practice using newly learned words in sentences to remember their meanings.

Use Dictionary Entries to Determine Correct Usage

• Learn how to use words correctly:
  • Dictionary entries show how a word is used in different contexts.
  • They provide example sentences to demonstrate proper usage.
• Check the part of speech:
  • Make sure the word fits the grammar of your sentence (e.g., using a verb as a verb, not a noun).
  • For example, “record” can be a noun (“I have a record”) or a verb (“I will record the show”).
• Understand usage notes:
  • Some dictionaries include notes about formal, informal, or slang usage.
  • Use these notes to decide if the word is appropriate for your writing or speaking situation.
• Use example sentences as a guide:
  • Read example sentences in the dictionary to see how the word is used correctly.
  • Try writing your own sentences based on these examples.
• Avoid common mistakes:
  • Check the dictionary to avoid using words incorrectly, like confusing “affect” and “effect.”
  • Use the dictionary to confirm the correct form of a word, like “advise” (verb) vs. “advice” (noun).

Use Thesaurus Entries

• Understand what a thesaurus is:
  • A thesaurus is a reference tool that lists synonyms (words with similar meanings) and sometimes antonyms (words with opposite meanings).
  • It helps you find different words to make your writing more varied and interesting.
• Find synonyms in a thesaurus:
  • Look up a word to find a list of synonyms.
  • For example, synonyms for “happy” might include “joyful,” “cheerful,” or “content.”
• Choose the right synonym:
  • Not all synonyms have the exact same meaning or tone.
  • Check the context to pick a synonym that fits the meaning and tone of your sentence.
  • For example, “big” and “enormous” are synonyms, but “enormous” is stronger.
• Use a thesaurus to improve writing:
  • Replace overused words with synonyms to make your writing more engaging.
  • Avoid repeating the same word by finding alternatives in the thesaurus.
• Use print and online thesauruses:
  • Print thesauruses are books organized alphabetically or by themes.
  • Online thesauruses let you type a word to find synonyms quickly.
• Be careful with synonyms:
  • Check the meaning of a synonym in a dictionary to ensure it’s appropriate.
  • Some synonyms may have slightly different meanings or be more formal/informal.