Encyclopedias, Glossaries, and Reference Materials Usage

You're reading a science textbook about ecosystems and see the word symbiosis. Where is the best place to find its definition as it relates to that specific book?

• The book's glossary

• A general dictionary

• An encyclopedia

• A thesaurus

Answer explanation

A glossary provides definitions for specific, important terms used within a particular book, making it the most relevant source in this context. A dictionary is general, and an encyclopedia gives broad information, not a specific book's definition.

Match each topic to the order it would appear in an encyclopedia.

• Third

• St. Louis

• First

• Saint-Gaudens, Augustus

• Second

• Saint Bernard

• Fourth

• Sainfoin

Answer explanation

Entries are alphabetized letter-by-letter. 'St.' is alphabetized as if spelled 'Saint'. Spaces and hyphens are considered before the next letter. Therefore, the order is Sainfoin, St. Louis (Saint Louis), Saint Bernard, and Saint-Gaudens.

You need to write a report on the history of video games for your technology class. Which volume of an encyclopedia would you use?

• Volume 7 (F-G)

• Volume 19 (T-U)

• Volume 21 (V-W)

• Volume 1 (A-B)

Answer explanation

The best keyword for this topic is 'video games.' You would look for this entry under the letter 'V', which is found in Volume 21 (V-W).

Sort each research task into the category of the best reference material to use: Encyclopedia or Glossary.

Groups:

(a) Encyclopedia

,

(b) Glossary

• Getting a detailed overview of the American Revolution

• Learning about the life of Marie Curie for a report

• Understanding the term 'protagonist' for your ELA class novel

• Finding a quick definition of 'igneous rock' in your geology book

Answer explanation

An encyclopedia is best for in-depth information on broad topics like historical events or biographies. A glossary is best for finding definitions of specific terms within a particular book.

Which entry word would you find on a dictionary page with the guide words lumber and lunar?

• Lump

• Lullaby

• Lunch

• Lure

Answer explanation

Guide words show the first and last words on a page. 'Lunch' comes alphabetically after 'lumber' and before 'lunar.' 'Lullaby' comes before 'lumber,' while 'lump' and 'lure' come after 'lunar.'

Which of these names would appear FIRST in an encyclopedia's index?

• De la Cruz, Juana

• Dean, James

• DeBakey, Michael

• Deacon, John

Answer explanation

When alphabetizing, you compare letter by letter. 'Deacon' comes before 'Dean' because 'c' comes before 'e'. 'DeBakey' and 'De la Cruz' also come after 'Deacon'.

You are using a multi-volume encyclopedia. Match each research topic to the correct volume you would need.

• Volume L

• The life of Leonardo da Vinci

• Volume T

• The invention of the telephone

• Volume J-K

• The geography of Japan

• Volume A

• The history of the Aztec Empire

Answer explanation

Each topic is found by its primary keyword: 'Aztec' (A), 'Leonardo da Vinci' (L), 'telephone' (T), and 'Japan' (J). You must select the volume that contains the first letter of the keyword.

What is the main purpose of an encyclopedia?

• To list synonyms and antonyms for words

• To provide detailed articles on a wide range of subjects

• To define technical terms from a specific book

• To show maps of different countries

Answer explanation

An encyclopedia's primary function is to offer comprehensive, factual articles on many different topics. A thesaurus lists synonyms, a glossary defines specific terms, and an atlas shows maps.

If you want to find information about the migration patterns of monarch butterflies, what is the best keyword to look up in an encyclopedia?

• Migration

• Patterns

• Monarch butterfly

• Butterflies

Answer explanation

'Monarch butterfly' is the most specific and central subject of your research. Looking up 'migration' or 'butterflies' would be too broad and less efficient.

An encyclopedia page has the guide words Python and Quail. Sort the following entries into the categories: 'On This Page' or 'Not On This Page'.

Groups:

(a) On This Page

,

(b) Not On This Page

• Quantum physics

• Quack

• Pythagorean theorem

• Puzzle

Answer explanation

Entries on this page must fall alphabetically between 'Python' and 'Quail'. 'Pythagorean theorem', 'Puzzle', and 'Quack' all fit. 'Quantum physics' comes after 'Quail' and would be on a later page.