Dictionary and Thesaurus Skills — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
An online dictionary does not show pronunciation because there are no pronunciation keys on a screen.
Corrected: An online dictionary can show pronunciation and even let you click a button to hear the word spoken aloud.
Online dictionaries go beyond printed pronunciation keys by including audio buttons that let you hear the word spoken aloud, making pronunciation even easier to learn.
2. Fix the sentence:
A digital thesaurus only gives you one synonym for each word.
Corrected: A digital thesaurus gives you many synonyms and often groups them by shade of meaning.
A digital thesaurus provides many synonyms for each word and often organizes them by how strong or mild each synonym is, giving writers more choices.
3. Fix the sentence:
You do not need to know any spelling to use an online dictionary because it reads your mind.
Corrected: You need to type at least part of the correct spelling so the online dictionary can suggest matching words.
Online dictionaries use your typed letters to suggest matching words, so you still need to know at least the first few letters of the word you are looking for.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Many online dictionaries have an audio button that lets you hear the word pronounced.
Online dictionaries include an audio button (usually a small speaker icon) so you can click it and hear the correct pronunciation instead of just reading symbols.
2. When you start typing a word in an online dictionary, it offers a list of suggestions to choose from.
As you type the first few letters, the online dictionary predicts what word you want and shows a dropdown list of suggestions, which saves time and helps with spelling.
3. A digital thesaurus often includes a link to the dictionary entry for the same word.
Digital thesaurus sites link directly to the dictionary entry so you can quickly check a synonym's exact definition before using it in your writing.
4. Online reference tools update more often than printed books, so they may include newer words.
Printed dictionaries can only add new words when a new edition is published, but online tools can be updated anytime, so they include newer words faster.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Name one advantage of using an online dictionary instead of a printed one.
Sample answer: An online dictionary lets you hear the pronunciation of a word by clicking a speaker icon, which a printed dictionary cannot do.
Hearing a word spoken aloud through an audio button is something only an online dictionary can offer, since a printed book cannot produce sound.
2. Why should you still check the definition even when an online thesaurus suggests a synonym?
Sample answer: You should check the definition because a synonym may have a slightly different meaning or tone that does not fit your sentence correctly.
Synonyms are close in meaning but not identical, so checking the definition ensures the word you pick truly fits the context of your sentence.