1. Dictionaries and spellcheckers
A dictionary is an
essential tool for
the writer.
So how do you use one
properly?
Here we will look at how to get the most out of your dictionary and spellchecker.
Can spellcheckers
solve your spelling
problems?

5. Guide words
Dictionaries usually have guide words at the top of each page, indicating the first and last words on the page.
Dictionaries would be useful for demonstrating the actual pages of a dictionary. They will be essential for the practice work later in the presentation.

7. Dictionary definitions
A dictionary will tell you how to spell a word, but it can tell you far more than this. Here are some types of information you will find in a good dictionary.
origin
meaning
pronunciation
uses
It may also tell us word type, whether it is slang, different meanings, etc. The bigger the dictionary, the more information you can expect.

8. Dictionary definitions
Look at how the information is set out in this definition.
main definition
noun
circus n. Travelling show with
clowns, performing animals, etc.;
(colloq.) a disturbance; [L. circus ring]
colloquial - which means informal use
origin
(L. stands for Latin)
further definition

10. Dictionary practice
From a dictionary you will find out that sometimes words perform more than one function.
E.g. paint can be both a noun and a verb

13. Spellcheckers
Electronic spellcheckers can be very useful items. You might have access to a handheld one, or there may be one on your computer.
They often give various alternatives and you can choose the correct word.
Make sure you use it wisely, however. A computer spellchecker may miss some of your errors - particularly homophones and sometimes incorrect apostrophe use.

14. This also gives the opportunity to discuss compound words (what would be the meaning if the passage was left as ‘blue bottle’?).
Students could create their own passages, full of errors for others to spot.

15. E.g. color favorite theater
Spellcheckers
Another possible problem with a computer spellchecker is that it might use American English.
In this case, you will have to look out for words which are spelt differently in American English.
E.g. color favorite theater
What should these be in British English?
Note:
Standard (British) English words ending in -our usually appear as -or in the US.
Words ending in -ise are usually found as -ize in the US.
Also look out for center, gray and catalog.
colour favourite theatre
EXTENSION: find other examples of American English words.

16. Plenary
Make the most
of your dictionary.
Practise using it
so that you can
use it swiftly.
Use your
spellchecker
with care.
Use it to
investigate
your language.