1. 1 Reference Materials Reference Materials

2. 2 Introduction: We use reference materials to help us with our research or writing. Reference materials give us factual information to make our work accurate and easy to understand.Reference materials give us factual information to make our work accurate and easy to understand.

3. 3 The Dictionary: The dictionary is a book that gives definitions of words. It lists words in ABC order.It lists words in ABC order. By using guide words found at the top of each page, we can find the location of the entry word.

4. 4 The Thesaurus: The thesaurus is used to help us with our writing. It lists synonyms and antonyms so we may add variety to our word choices.It lists synonyms and antonyms so we may add variety to our word choices. Words are in ABC order. Not all thesauruses have antonyms.Not all thesauruses have antonyms.

5. 5 The Atlas: An atlas is a book of maps. Maps are listed in ABC order.Maps are listed in ABC order. There are different types: world atlases atlases of countries

6. 6 Encyclopedias: Encyclopedias are a set of books used to find information. Topics are listed in ABC order.Topics are listed in ABC order. Articles provide basic information about each topic.

7. 7 The Phone Book: The phone book lists names of people and businesses. They are arranged in ABC order.They are arranged in ABC order. (and sometimes their web sites or email addresses).It includes their addresses and phone numbers (and sometimes their web sites or email addresses).

8. 8 The Internet: The Internet is a worldwide network connecting millions of computers. It is a way to get information from all around the world through a computer.It is a way to get information from all around the world through a computer. Search engines (like Google) are used to find information. iGoogle

9. The Almanac: The Almanac is a book that is published yearly. It includes weather forecasts, gardening tips, tide tables, Olympic Game results & other information.It includes weather forecasts, gardening tips, tide tables, Olympic Game results & other information. The Table of Contents can be used to help find a topic. http://www.almanac.c om/extras/2009/index. php

10. 10 The Newspaper: The newspaper is a publication, usually published daily or weekly. It contains current news, editorials, articles, and advertisements.It contains current news, editorials, articles, and advertisements. Articles are arranged in sections by topic such as: international, national and local news, sports and business.Articles are arranged in sections by topic such as: international, national and local news, sports and business. A Table of Contents is available.A Table of Contents is available.

11. Lets Test Your Knowledge Answer the following question about reference sources 11

12. Zoe is doing a report on Zimbabwe and needs to know what the country's average temperature is in the winter. Where should she look first? a. dictionary b. television c. almanac d. newspaper 12

13. Alamanc 13

14. Brian needs to know the distance between Brussels and Brisbane. What resource should he use first? a. personal interview b. newspaper c. encyclopedia d. atlas 14

15. Atlas 15

16. Michael wants the latest medical news about mumps. Which of the following would provide him with the latest research information? a. books b. Internet c. atlas d. newspaper 16

17. Internet 17

18. Ben is doing research on zebras and wants to read a good general background article on the animal. Where should he look? a. newspaper b. almanac c. encyclopedia d. interview with someone that's been on an African Safari 18

19. Encyclopedia 19

20. Sue wants to know what the life of a teacher might be like. Where should she turn? a. dictionary b. an interview with a teacher c. encyclopedia d. educational journal 20

21. Interview with a teacher 21

22. Where can you find the definition of the word terrestrial? almanac dictionary atlas thesaurus 22

23. Jessie wants to read about the airport expansion project currently taking place in her city. The information seems to change daily. Where should she go for information? a. encyclopedia b. reference book on airports c. local newspaper d. almanac 23

24. Local Newspaper 24