Consult Reference Materials for Word Meanings - 8th Grade Writing
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What does an etymology section in a dictionary entry explain?
What does an etymology section in a dictionary entry explain?
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The word’s origin and historical development. Traces word history from original language sources.
The word’s origin and historical development. Traces word history from original language sources.
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What does “figurative” (often labeled “fig.”) mean in a dictionary definition?
What does “figurative” (often labeled “fig.”) mean in a dictionary definition?
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Used in a nonliteral or symbolic sense. Distinguishes metaphorical from literal meanings.
Used in a nonliteral or symbolic sense. Distinguishes metaphorical from literal meanings.
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Which option should you consult to confirm whether a word is formal, informal, slang, or offensive?
Which option should you consult to confirm whether a word is formal, informal, slang, or offensive?
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The usage label in the dictionary entry. Labels indicate appropriate register and formality.
The usage label in the dictionary entry. Labels indicate appropriate register and formality.
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Which part of a dictionary entry should you check to confirm whether a word is stressed on the first or second syllable?
Which part of a dictionary entry should you check to confirm whether a word is stressed on the first or second syllable?
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The pronunciation guide showing primary stress. Accent marks indicate which syllable to emphasize.
The pronunciation guide showing primary stress. Accent marks indicate which syllable to emphasize.
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What is the main purpose of a thesaurus when revising writing?
What is the main purpose of a thesaurus when revising writing?
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To find synonyms and antonyms for a word. Thesauruses help vary word choice and avoid repetition.
To find synonyms and antonyms for a word. Thesauruses help vary word choice and avoid repetition.
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What does the abbreviation “n.” indicate in a dictionary entry?
What does the abbreviation “n.” indicate in a dictionary entry?
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Noun. Standard abbreviation for noun in dictionaries.
Noun. Standard abbreviation for noun in dictionaries.
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Which reference tool is best for checking how to divide a word into syllables for pronunciation?
Which reference tool is best for checking how to divide a word into syllables for pronunciation?
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A dictionary entry with syllable breaks. Shows dots or hyphens between syllable divisions.
A dictionary entry with syllable breaks. Shows dots or hyphens between syllable divisions.
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What does the abbreviation “adv.” mean in a dictionary entry?
What does the abbreviation “adv.” mean in a dictionary entry?
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Adverb. Standard dictionary abbreviation for adverb.
Adverb. Standard dictionary abbreviation for adverb.
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Which dictionary feature helps you choose the correct meaning when a word has multiple definitions?
Which dictionary feature helps you choose the correct meaning when a word has multiple definitions?
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Numbered senses (definitions) with usage examples. Examples show context for each numbered meaning.
Numbered senses (definitions) with usage examples. Examples show context for each numbered meaning.
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What is the best action if a thesaurus synonym does not match your sentence’s meaning or tone?
What is the best action if a thesaurus synonym does not match your sentence’s meaning or tone?
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Verify the synonym’s definition in a dictionary. Ensures the word fits your intended meaning.
Verify the synonym’s definition in a dictionary. Ensures the word fits your intended meaning.
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Identify the best source to confirm whether a word is informal, slang, or offensive.
Identify the best source to confirm whether a word is informal, slang, or offensive.
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A dictionary usage label (for example, informal, slang, offensive). Labels indicate appropriate usage contexts.
A dictionary usage label (for example, informal, slang, offensive). Labels indicate appropriate usage contexts.
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Which option best clarifies meaning for a technical term used in a lab report: dictionary, thesaurus, or science glossary?
Which option best clarifies meaning for a technical term used in a lab report: dictionary, thesaurus, or science glossary?
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Science glossary. Subject-specific glossaries define technical terms.
Science glossary. Subject-specific glossaries define technical terms.
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What reference source is best for a word’s pronunciation and part of speech?
What reference source is best for a word’s pronunciation and part of speech?
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A dictionary entry. Dictionaries provide phonetic spellings and grammatical labels.
A dictionary entry. Dictionaries provide phonetic spellings and grammatical labels.
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What reference source is best for a word’s meaning within a specific textbook or article?
What reference source is best for a word’s meaning within a specific textbook or article?
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A glossary. Glossaries define terms as used in that specific text.
A glossary. Glossaries define terms as used in that specific text.
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What reference source is best for finding synonyms and antonyms for a word?
What reference source is best for finding synonyms and antonyms for a word?
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A thesaurus. Thesauruses list words with similar and opposite meanings.
A thesaurus. Thesauruses list words with similar and opposite meanings.
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Which option best helps you pronounce “epitome”: thesaurus, dictionary, or encyclopedia?
Which option best helps you pronounce “epitome”: thesaurus, dictionary, or encyclopedia?
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Dictionary. Only dictionaries show pronunciation guides.
Dictionary. Only dictionaries show pronunciation guides.
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Identify the best source to find the meaning of “photosynthesis” as used in biology class notes.
Identify the best source to find the meaning of “photosynthesis” as used in biology class notes.
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A biology (specialized) dictionary or biology glossary. Subject-specific sources clarify academic terms.
A biology (specialized) dictionary or biology glossary. Subject-specific sources clarify academic terms.
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Which dictionary element most directly helps you decide whether “record” is used as a noun or a verb in a sentence?
Which dictionary element most directly helps you decide whether “record” is used as a noun or a verb in a sentence?
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The part-of-speech label for the relevant entry. Labels show if word functions as n. or v.
The part-of-speech label for the relevant entry. Labels show if word functions as n. or v.
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Choose the best tool to find a more precise replacement for “good” in formal writing.
Choose the best tool to find a more precise replacement for “good” in formal writing.
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A thesaurus (then confirm meaning in a dictionary). Find alternatives, then verify precise meaning.
A thesaurus (then confirm meaning in a dictionary). Find alternatives, then verify precise meaning.
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What is the best way to confirm you selected the correct definition for a word with several numbered meanings?
What is the best way to confirm you selected the correct definition for a word with several numbered meanings?
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Match the definition to your context using the example sentence. Examples demonstrate proper usage in context.
Match the definition to your context using the example sentence. Examples demonstrate proper usage in context.
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Identify the most reliable place to check a word’s precise meaning when it is used in a legal context.
Identify the most reliable place to check a word’s precise meaning when it is used in a legal context.
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A legal (specialized) dictionary. Legal terms have specific technical meanings.
A legal (specialized) dictionary. Legal terms have specific technical meanings.
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What is the main purpose of a specialized reference (such as a science or legal dictionary)?
What is the main purpose of a specialized reference (such as a science or legal dictionary)?
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To define terms precisely within a specific field. Specialized references focus on technical vocabulary.
To define terms precisely within a specific field. Specialized references focus on technical vocabulary.
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Which part of a dictionary entry shows how to say the word aloud?
Which part of a dictionary entry shows how to say the word aloud?
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The pronunciation guide (phonetic spelling/IPA). Shows syllable breaks and stress marks for speaking.
The pronunciation guide (phonetic spelling/IPA). Shows syllable breaks and stress marks for speaking.
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What dictionary label tells whether a word is a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb?
What dictionary label tells whether a word is a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb?
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The part-of-speech label (for example, n., v., adj., adv.). Abbreviations indicate grammatical function.
The part-of-speech label (for example, n., v., adj., adv.). Abbreviations indicate grammatical function.
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What does the abbreviation “n.” mean in a dictionary entry?
What does the abbreviation “n.” mean in a dictionary entry?
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Noun. Standard dictionary abbreviation for noun.
Noun. Standard dictionary abbreviation for noun.
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