Reference Materials: Dictionary, Glossary, Thesaurus

What is the main purpose of a dictionary?

• To provide synonyms and antonyms of words

• To provide the meanings and pronunciations of words

• To list the technical terms of a particular subject

• To provide a list of references and citations

How is a thesaurus most commonly used?

• To find the historical origin of a word

• To find the correct spelling of a word

• To find synonyms and antonyms for a word

• To find detailed definitions of a word

What is a glossary?

• A book of maps

• A list of difficult words and their meanings found in a book

• A collection of poems

• A detailed article on a specific topic

Where would you find the pronunciation of a word?

• In a thesaurus

• In an encyclopedia

• In a dictionary

• In a glossary

What does a thesaurus provide that a dictionary does not?

• Definitions

• Word origins

• Synonyms and antonyms

• Pronunciations

If you needed to find the definition of "photosynthesis" in your science textbook, which resource would you use?

• Dictionary

• Thesaurus

• Glossary

• Atlas

If you are reading a library book and come across the word "habitat," but you don't know what it means, which reference material should you use?

• Atlas

• Dictionary

• Thesaurus

• Glossary, if the book has one

Which reference material would be best to use if you are trying to find a more interesting word to use instead of "happy"?

• Encyclopedia

• Dictionary

• Thesaurus

• Glossary

What is the difference between a dictionary and a glossary?

• A dictionary includes words from many subjects, while a glossary is subject-specific

• A glossary includes synonyms, while a dictionary does not

• A dictionary is found at the end of a book, while a glossary is a separate book

• There is no difference; they are the same thing

When would it be more appropriate to use a glossary instead of a dictionary?

• When you need to know how to pronounce a word

• When you are looking for a word used in a specific book

• When you need a synonym for a word

• When you are writing a bibliography