Reference Skills

They will help you!• Know WHERE to find information

• Useful for ALL SUBJECTS

*You need to know where to look!

Essential Tools• Dictionary• Thesaurus• Encyclopedia• Table of Contents & Index• Atlas

Dictionary• Uses:

– Find meaning of words– Check spelling– Pronunciation

• All words listed in alphabetical order– “A” in front; “Z” in back

• Shortcut= use guide words– Top of every page– 1st guide word= 1st entry on page– 2nd guide word= last entry on page

Thesaurus • Use to:

– Find synonyms

• Build your vocabulary!

BrainPOP

Encyclopedia• A book (or books) that contains information on a wide range of subjects

• Entries are arranged alphabetically

• Entries are longer and more detailed than dictionary entries

• “book of knowledge”

Encyclopedia Entry

Table of Contents & Index

• T of C: Lists title, number, and page numbers of all the chapters in a content book– Front– BROAD

• Index: an alphabetical listing of names and topics along with page numbers where they are discussed– Back– DETAILED– People listed by last names

Atlas• A collection of maps

• Find a country, a city, a river, a mountain range, a sea,…

• Use T of C or Index to locate info

• Read the key

Check Out This Website

http://www.factmonster.com