Students correct misconceptions about thesaurus organization, synonyms, and antonyms. Part A fixes three sentences about ordering, what synonyms are, and thesaurus purpose. Part B has four fill-in-the-blank questions about synonyms, antonyms, and how a thesaurus improves writing. Part C has two short-answer questions about the dictionary-thesaurus difference and why writers use a thesaurus when revising.
Clearly distinguishing the thesaurus from the dictionary prevents the most common reference tool misuse at the fourth-grade level.
Style:
Dictionary and Thesaurus Skills
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
A thesaurus lists words in order from most common to least common.
Rewrite: A thesaurus lists words in alphabetical order, just like a dictionary.
2. Fix the sentence:
Synonyms are words that have opposite meanings.
Rewrite: Synonyms are words that have the same or similar meanings.
3. Fix the sentence:
You should use a thesaurus to check the spelling of a word.
Rewrite: You should use a thesaurus to find synonyms or antonyms for a word.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A thesaurus helps you find words with similar meanings called synonyms .
2. Words with opposite meanings listed in a thesaurus are called antonyms .
3. Using a thesaurus can make your writing more interesting by adding variety .
4. If you keep repeating the same word, a thesaurus helps you find a replacement .
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. What is the main difference between a dictionary and a thesaurus?
A dictionary gives the meaning, pronunciation, and part of speech of a word, while a thesaurus gives synonyms and antonyms to help you find alternative words.
2. Why might a writer use a thesaurus when revising a paragraph?
A writer uses a thesaurus to replace overused words with more precise or interesting synonyms, which makes the writing clearer and more engaging.
Dictionary and Thesaurus Skills
★ Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1) Fix the sentence:
A thesaurus lists words in order from most common to least common.
Rewrite: A thesaurus lists words in alphabetical order, just like a dictionary.
2) Fix the sentence:
Synonyms are words that have opposite meanings.
Rewrite: Synonyms are words that have the same or similar meanings.
3) Fix the sentence:
You should use a thesaurus to check the spelling of a word.
Rewrite: You should use a thesaurus to find synonyms or antonyms for a word.
★ Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1) A thesaurus helps you find words with similar meanings called synonyms .
2) Words with opposite meanings listed in a thesaurus are called antonyms .
3) Using a thesaurus can make your writing more interesting by adding variety .
4) If you keep repeating the same word, a thesaurus helps you find a replacement .
★ Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1) What is the main difference between a dictionary and a thesaurus?
A dictionary gives the meaning, pronunciation, and part of speech of a word, while a thesaurus gives synonyms and antonyms to help you find alternative words.
2) Why might a writer use a thesaurus when revising a paragraph?
A writer uses a thesaurus to replace overused words with more precise or interesting synonyms, which makes the writing clearer and more engaging.
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Complete each section carefully.
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15-20 minutes
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