S.K.H. Chu Oi Primary School Primary 5 English Dictionary Skills (Part 2)

Learning Objectives

Today we are going to learn

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How to use dictionary entries by looking at the labels and symbols used in a dictionary

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How to find the right meaning in context

Elements of Entries A dictionary contains many entries.

Every entry begins with a headword and is G followed by pronunciation(P) , grammar(G), Definitions(D) P and G examples(E) .

D G E

Grammar codes After the phonetic symbols, you may find the label of “Parts of speech”.

“Apple” is a noun.

n = noun v = verb pron = pronoun adj = adjective prep = preposition adv = adverb

Grammar codes If the headword is a noun, you may find the label of “Countable” or “Uncountable” noun .

C – countable noun C = Countable noun U = uncountable noun

Grammar codes If the headword is a verb, you may find the label of “Transitive” or “Intransitive” verb .

T – transitive verb A transitive verb(T) requires an object .

e.g. I cover my face. An intransitive verb (I) e.g. I sleep. does not require an object .

T = transitive verb I = intransitive verb

Grammar If the headword is a verb, you may find the form of verb , which is followed by the grammar code.

- doubling of final consonant in - ing and - ed form - past tense - past participle - present participle

Grammar If the headword is an irregular verb, you may also know the use of the verb form by examples .

- doubling of final consonant in - ing and - ed form - past tense - past participle - present participle

Meaning in context Most English words have many definitions. Definitions explain the meaning(s) of the headword and are accompanied by examples showing how it is used in context.

e.g. run (v) (total: 19 meanings) 1. to move quickly ...... 3. to control, organize ....

7. to flow ..... 10. to start a computer program ......

Meaning in context To look up the new words from the dictionary, 1. find out “Part of Speech” 2. find out the right definitions by examples e.g. The basketball match is showing on TV.

What is the meaning of “match” in this sentence?

a noun? a verb? an adjective?

(the dog, the box, the match )

Meaning in context 2. Find out the right definitions by examples e.g. The basketball match is showing on TV.

a. a sports event? b. a small wooden stick that produces a flame?

c. something that is the same pattern as something else?

Meaning in context To look up the new words from the dictionary, 1. find out “Part of Speech” 2. find out the right definitions by looking at the examples e.g. The basketball match is showing on TV.

This is a noun which means a sports event between two teams or players.

Exercises Now let’s practise how to find the right meaning in context.

Mary skipped that page when reading the book because she is afraid of frogs.

What is the meaning of “skipped” in this sentence?

1. Open the dictionary and turn to page 1135.

2. Find out “Part of Speech” a noun? a verb?

3. Find out the right definitions by examples to move forwards with little jumps between your steps?

to move a rope over your head and under your feet?

to avoid something or not do something?

Exercises Mary skipped that page when reading the book because she is afraid of frogs.

What is the meaning of “skipped” in this sentence?

Answer: 1.This is a verb.

2. Mary did not want to read that page.

e.g. You shouldn’t skip breakfast.

Let’s skip the next question.

Source http://www.wonderbackgrounds.com/glitter/ Longman Active Study English-Chinese Dictionary – 4th Edition, Published by Pearson Education Asia Limited, 2010