Using the Dictionary
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Transcript Using the Dictionary
Chapter 3:
Strengthening Your Word
Power
Efficient and Flexible Reading, 7/e
Kathleen T. McWhorter
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
In this chapter you will learn:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
To expand your vocabulary.
To determine a word’s meaning from its
context.
To use word parts to figure out meanings of
new words.
How the index card system can expand your
vocabulary.
How to select and use the best vocabulary
reference sources.
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Expanding Your Vocabulary
Read widely and diversely.
Use words to remember them.
Be selective.
Use what you already know.
Work on vaguely familiar words.
Learn multiple word meanings.
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Using Contextual Aids
You can figure out the meaning of an
unknown word by looking for clues in the
sentence or paragraph in which it appears.
Definition Clues
Example Clues
Contrast Clues
Inference Clues
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Using Contextual Aids
Formal Definition Clues: A word’s meaning is
either stated directly or given indirectly.
Example: Horology is the science of
measuring time.
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Using Contextual Aids
Indirect Definition Clues: Sufficient
information is included to give a general idea
of the meaning.
Example: Hypochondria, excessive worry
over one’s health, afflicts many Americans
over forty.
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Using Contextual Aids
Example Clues: the examples used explain or
clarify a word’s meaning.
Example: Toxic materials, such as arsenic,
asbestos, pesticides, and lead, can cause
permanent bodily damage.
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Using Contextual Aids
Contrast Clues: a word or phrase opposite in
meaning provides a clue to meaning.
Example: During the concert the audience
was quiet, but afterward the crowd
became boisterous.
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Using Contextual Aids
Inference Clues: A word’s meaning can be figured
out by reasoning about contextual information.
Example: My father is a versatile man; he is
a successful businessman, sportsman,
author, and sports car mechanic.
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Analyzing Word Parts
Word parts have specific meanings and when
added together can provide strong clues to
the meanings of a particular word.
Prefixes: Beginning–semihalf = semicircle
Roots: middle–biolife = biology
Suffixes: end–istone who = activist
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
A System for Learning
Unfamiliar Words
1. Whenever you hear or read a new word that you
intend to learn, jot it down in the margin of your
notes or mark it in some way in the material you
are reading.
2. Later, write each new word on the front of an
index card, then look up the meaning (or
meanings) of the word and write it on the back.
3. Whenever you have a few spare minutes, go
through your pack of index cards.
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
A System for Learning
Unfamiliar Words
4. Sort the cards in two piles; separate the words
you know from the ones you don’t know.
5. Periodically review the cards.
6. Work with classmates if you are a social
learner. (See Learning Style Questionnaire in
Chapter 1.)
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Using Vocabulary
Reference Sources
The Dictionary
The Thesaurus
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Using the Dictionary
1. Look up a few words at a time.
2. Mark unknown words and look them up
later.
3. Read through all the meanings of the word
to choose the best one.
4. Write down the word and its meaning.
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Using the Dictionary
Use the Dictionary for:
Word Pronunciation
Part(s) of Speech
Key to Spelling
Information on Language History
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Using the Dictionary
Use the Dictionary for:
Restrictive Meanings that Apply only to a
Specific Field of Study
Foreign Expressions used in English
Idioms
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Using the Thesaurus
A dictionary of synonyms.
Available in hardback, paperback, and Online.
Groups words with similar meanings.
Useful for locating a precise, accurate, or
descriptive phrase to fit a particular
situation you are writing about.
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Other Reference Sources
for Vocabulary
Subject-Area Dictionaries
Pocket Dictionaries
Standard desk Dictionaries
Unabridged Dictionaries
On-line Dictionaries
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
SUMMARY QUESTIONS
1. How can you expand your vocabulary?
2. What are four types of context clues?
3. What are the three parts from which many
English words are formed?
4. Why is it useful to learn about word parts?
5. What is the index card system?
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers
Critical Thinking Tip #3:
Vague Versus Clear Meanings
Words that are exact and specific can help
communication.
Words that are vague or nonspecific can
lead to misinterpretation and confusion.
“The movie was great!” (What was good
about it?)
“He received a large sum of money.” (How
large is large?)
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