Standard: 11-12.L.4c – Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, its etymology, or its standard usage.
Grade level: Grade 11-12
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Language
Teacher Overview
This standard emphasizes the importance of using both general and specialized reference materials to deepen understanding of words. It is crucial for students in Grade 11-12 to develop these skills as they prepare for more advanced academic work and professional communication. Students should be able to navigate a dictionary and understand basic definitions, parts of speech, and the concept of etymology.
After mastering this standard, students will be better equipped to conduct detailed research, write with precision, and understand complex texts, which are essential skills for college and career readiness.
Common Misconception 1
Some students may believe that all dictionaries are the same and can be used interchangeably. This is incorrect because different dictionaries and reference materials serve different purposes and provide varying levels of detail and types of information.
Intervention 1
Provide a lesson that compares different types of dictionaries and reference materials, such as general dictionaries, specialized glossaries, and thesauruses. Highlight the unique features and best use cases for each.
Common Misconception 2
Another common misconception is that digital reference materials are always better than print versions. This is not always true, as each format has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Intervention 2
Create activities that require students to use both print and digital reference materials, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each. This will help them become more discerning users of information.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should be familiar with basic dictionary skills, including looking up words alphabetically and understanding simple definitions. They should also have a basic understanding of parts of speech and the concept of etymology.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to apply their skills in more advanced research and writing tasks, such as analyzing the nuanced meanings of words in different contexts and using precise language in their writing.
Instructional Activities
- Dictionary scavenger hunt: Students find the pronunciation, part of speech, and etymology of a list of words.
- Thesaurus challenge: Students rewrite sentences using synonyms found in a thesaurus.
- Etymology research project: Students trace the history and development of a word and present their findings.
- Glossary creation: Students create a glossary for a specific subject area, including definitions and usage examples.
