English for today Class Eight, Unite: 4, Lesson 4: Using a dictionary (2)

Unit Four

Check your reference

Lesson 4: Using a dictionary (2)

A. Look at the dictionary page in Lesson 3 and answer the following questions. Then read the text below.

Do you use a dictionary?

Why and how often do you use a dictionary?

How can a dictionary help you?

A dictionary is a collection of words. It lists the words of a language and gives necessary information about them. It tells us about the

a) spelling
b) pronunciation
c) meaning
d) parts of speech etc. of words.

To make the meanings of words clear, example sentences are given in italics.

Example sentences show how words are used. It also gives the synonym/s and the antonym/s of a word.

We find words made by adding prefixes and suffixes to the root word. Parts of speech are also shown. A verb word is always given in the simple present tense. But the past form of a verb and the past participle are also shown.

B.  Again read the text above. Then ask and answer the following questions.

1. What information does a dictionary give us about a verb word?

2. Why are the example sentences given?

3. How are new words formed?

4. Why are the synonyms and the antonyms given?

5. What do we need a dictionary for?

C. Match the sentence parts in A with those in B.

A	B
A dictionary shows	in its simple present tense.
Prefixes and suffixes	about the words of a language.
A verb word is always given	help to make new words.
Meanings of words are given	how to pronounce a word.
A dictionary gives information	in a dictionary.