Dictionary and Thesaurus Skills — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Which resource would best help you find a more vivid word to replace "walk" in a story?
A) Dictionary
B) Encyclopedia
C) Thesaurus
D) Atlas
A thesaurus is the best tool for finding more vivid synonyms like "strolled," "marched," or "trudged" to replace "walked."
2. A dictionary lists "record" as both a noun and a verb. How can you tell which part of speech is correct in a sentence?
A) Pick the first one listed
B) Look at how the word is used in the sentence
C) Choose the shorter definition
D) Guess based on the spelling
The sentence's context — whether record functions as a noun or verb — determines which definition applies.
3. The guide words are "planet" and "plaster." Which word would NOT be on this page?
A) Plant
B) Plank
C) Plate
D) Plastic
Plate (plat-e) comes after plaster (plas-t) alphabetically, so it would appear on the next page, not this one.
4. A thesaurus gives these synonyms for "cold": chilly, frigid, icy, cool. Which fits best in "It was a ___ autumn morning"?
A) Frigid
B) Icy
C) Cool
D) Chilly
Chilly describes a mildly cold temperature that fits a cool autumn breeze — frigid and icy suggest more extreme cold.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. A digital dictionary lets you hear the pronunciation of a word by clicking a speaker icon.
Digital dictionaries include audio features that allow users to hear the correct pronunciation of words.
2. The origin section of a dictionary entry tells you which language a word came from.
Word origins (etymology) show which language a word came from, such as Latin, Greek, or Old English.
3. When a thesaurus entry lists words in subgroups, each group shares a specific shade .
Thesaurus subgroups organize synonyms by subtle shades of meaning, helping writers choose the most precise word.
4. Using both a dictionary and a thesaurus together helps you understand a word's meaning and find alternatives .
The dictionary clarifies meaning while the thesaurus provides alternatives — together they support precise word choice.
5. Skilled writers pick synonyms that match the purpose and audience of their writing.
The purpose and audience of a piece determine which synonym is most appropriate in register and tone.