3.2.1 Extensive Reading: Reference Materials Notes, Quizzes & Revision
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3.2 Reading β 3.2.1 Extensive Reading: Reference Materials
Subject: English β’ Target age: 15 (Kenya)
Specific learning outcomes
- Explain how reference materials (dictionary, thesaurus, atlases, manuals, newspapers, encyclopaedias) help improve reading and grammar.
- Use a dictionary to find meaning, pronunciation, spelling and grammatical information; use a thesaurus to find synonyms and antonyms for accurate word choice.
- Research and gather grammatical examples and general knowledge from reference materials (dictionary, thesaurus, atlases, manuals, maps, newspapers, encyclopaedias).
- Interpret maps and manuals for correct prepositions, directions and imperative forms used in instructions.
- Appreciate reference materials as reliable sources of language use and examples of good grammar.
- Identify the main categories of reference materials: dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, manual, newspaper, encyclopaedia.
Useful materials: π Dictionary π Thesaurus πΊοΈ Atlas/Map π§° Manual π° Newspaper π Encyclopaedia
How each reference material helps with grammar (simple points)
- Dictionary: gives parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective), syllable breaks, pronunciation (phonetic spelling), example sentences, verb patterns (e.g., transitive/intransitive), countable/uncountable, collocations β all help correct grammar and word use.
- Thesaurus: suggests synonyms and antonyms and usage notes; helps choose words that match the required register (formal/informal) and avoid repetition.
- Atlas / Map: shows labels and captions that teach spatial prepositions (in, on, at, between), adjectives of place (northern, coastal), and short descriptive phrases.
- Manuals / Instruction guides: are rich in imperative forms (Take, Press, Turn), sequence words (first, then, finally), and clear verb forms used in procedures.
- Newspapers: provide real examples of tense use (past reports, present analyses), passive voice, reported speech, and formal sentence structures useful for writing and comprehension.
- Encyclopaedia: offers clear, formal explanatory writing, useful example paragraphs, and factual sentences showing correct grammar in academic style.
How to use a dictionary β step-by-step (for grammar and meaning)
- Find the headword and spelling. Note syllable breaks (e.g., amΒ·biΒ·tion).
- Read the phonetic transcription for pronunciation (e.g., /amΛbΙͺΚΙn/) and stress mark (Λ shows primary stress).
- Check part(s) of speech (noun, verb, adjective). This tells you how to use the word in a sentence.
- Read all numbered meanings β choose the meaning that fits your context.
- Look at example sentences to see grammar patterns and collocations (e.g., "show ambition", "ambitious person").
- Check usage notes: formal/informal, countable/uncountable, grammar patterns (e.g., verb+to-infinitive or verb+gerund).
Mini example (dictionary-style):
ambition β /amΛbΙͺΚΙn/ β noun. 1. a strong desire to achieve something. Example: "Her ambition is to become a doctor." (shows noun use; collocation: "pursue an ambition")
ambition β /amΛbΙͺΚΙn/ β noun. 1. a strong desire to achieve something. Example: "Her ambition is to become a doctor." (shows noun use; collocation: "pursue an ambition")
How to use a thesaurus β choose correct synonyms
- Look up the target word to find synonym groups (grouped by meaning).
- Check register and collocation notes (some synonyms are formal or informal).
- Test synonyms in your sentence to see which fits grammatically (some synonyms change part of speech or require different prepositions).
Example: replace "happy" in "She looked happy." Synonyms: content, delighted, pleased. Choose "delighted" for stronger feeling: "She looked delighted."
Reading maps and manuals β grammar focus
- Maps: read labels and directions to learn prepositions (e.g., "north of", "between Nairobi and Mombasa"), and expressions for movement ("follow the road", "turn left").
- Manuals / Instructions: identify imperative verbs ("Press", "Insert"), sequence markers ("first", "next", "finally") and conditional warnings ("If the light does not flash, ...").
Newspapers & encyclopaedia β grammar in context
- Newspaper articles: find examples of past simple/present perfect for news reports, passive sentences in formal reporting, and reported speech when quoting people.
- Encyclopaedia entries: study formal definitions, topic sentences, and factual descriptions β excellent models for academic grammar and paragraph structure.
Suggested learning experiences (activities)
- Dictionary hunt (in pairs): Give 10 words from current unit. For each word write: pronunciation, part of speech, one meaning, and an example sentence showing correct grammar.
- Thesaurus challenge: Replace highlighted words in a paragraph with better synonyms chosen from a thesaurus. Discuss changes in register and grammar.
- Newspaper grammar search: Find an article and underline all passive sentences and instances of reported speech. Rewrite one paragraph using active voice where appropriate.
- Manual analysis: Take an instruction manual (phone, cooker) and list all imperatives and sequence words. Write three new step-by-step instructions using correct imperatives.
- Map directions writing: Using a simple map, write directions from point A to B using correct prepositions (on, past, between, next to) and verbs of movement (turn, go, proceed).
- Encyclopaedia summary: Read a short encyclopaedia entry and extract five sentences that show formal academic grammar (complex sentences, passive voice, linking words). Discuss why they sound formal.
Assessment suggestions
- Practical test: Give a new word β students use a dictionary to write meaning, pronunciation, part of speech and one sentence using proper grammar.
- Short quiz: Identify synonyms and antonyms; choose correct word for sentence based on register.
- Written task: Read a short newspaper article and answer questions on tense usage, passive vs active and reported speech.
Resources & teacher tips (Kenya context)
- Use school dictionaries and thesauruses (print or reliable online dictionaries like Oxford Learner's or Cambridge) for clear phonetic guides and usage notes.
- Collect past newspaper clippings from Kenyan papers for relevant local examples (tenses and reported speech are often used in news reports).
- Use local maps (county maps, road maps) to practice prepositions and directional language.
- Encourage students to keep a "reference journal": new words, synonyms, example sentences, and grammar notes found in reference materials.
Appreciation
Reference materials are not only sources of facts β they are models of correct language use. Regular use improves vocabulary, choice of words, sentence structure and understanding of grammar in real contexts. Encourage learners to consult them often for lifelong learning.