English Language Arts
Grade 4
15 min
Use dictionary definitions
Use dictionary definitions
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Locate a word in a dictionary using alphabetical order and guide words.
Identify the key parts of a dictionary entry: the entry word, pronunciation, part of speech, and definition.
Choose the correct definition of a word with multiple meanings by using the context of a sentence.
Use a dictionary to find the meaning of an unfamiliar word encountered while reading.
Explain the meaning of a word in their own words after reading its dictionary definition.
Use the pronunciation guide to help say a new word correctly.
Have you ever read a word that looked like a secret code? 🕵️♀️ What if you had a special book that could decode any word you find?
That special book is a dictionary, and today you'll become an expert word detective! We will learn how to use...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Entry WordThe specific word you are looking up in the dictionary. It is usually in bold print.In the dictionary entry for 'happy', the word **happy** is the entry word.
Guide WordsThe two words at the very top of a dictionary page that tell you the first and last entry words on that page.If the guide words are 'lizard' and 'local', you know that words like 'load' and 'lobby' will be on that page, but 'lion' and 'log' will not.
PronunciationSpecial symbols that show you how to say the word out loud. It's usually in parentheses ( ) right after the entry word.For the word 'character', the pronunciation might look like (kăr′ĭk-tər) to show you how each part sounds.
Part of SpeechThis tel...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Alphabetical Order Rule
All entry words in a dictionary are listed in strict alphabetical order.
To find a word, you must know its spelling and where it falls in the alphabet. You may need to look at the second, third, or even fourth letter to find its exact spot.
The Guide Word Rule
A word belongs on a page if it comes alphabetically after the first guide word and before the second guide word.
Use guide words to quickly scan pages. This is much faster than reading every word on the page to see if yours is there.
The Context Clue Rule
When a word has multiple meanings, use the surrounding sentence (the context) to choose the correct definition.
Read the sentence where you found the word. Ask yourself, 'Which of these numbered definitions makes the most sense...
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Challenging
Read the sentence: 'The artist tried to capture the feeling of a sunset in her painting.' Which dictionary entry for 'capture' is the MOST precise for this sentence? **capture** (kăp′chər) v.
A.1. to take into one's possession by force.
B.2. to record accurately in a permanent form.
C.3. to represent or express in art or words.
D.4. to attract and hold the interest of.
Challenging
A student looks up 'fast' for the sentence 'A cheetah is a fast runner.' They see two definitions: 1. (adj.) moving or capable of moving at high speed. 2. (v.) to abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink. What is the most likely mistake the student could make if they ignore the part of speech?
A.They might think 'fast' means 'to eat a lot'.
B.They might think the cheetah is not eating while it runs.
C.They might not understand what a cheetah is.
D.They might mispronounce the word 'fast'.
Challenging
You are looking for the word 'spectacular'. You open the dictionary to a page with the guide words 'spaghetti' and 'special'. Based on the Alphabetical Order Rule, what should you do next?
A.Turn forward several pages.
B.Turn back one or two pages.
C.Close the dictionary; the word isn't in it.
D.Look carefully on the current page.
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