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As
you go through school, you will need to use reference sources to find
information about topics, locate facts, and answer questions. Here are five
types of reference sources you should use. Each type is available in print
forms, on CD-ROMs, and on the Internet.
1. Dictionary
A dictionary
provides information about the meaning, pronunciation, and spelling of words.
Unabridged dictionaries attempt to be complete by including
all words currently in use in a language. They provide extensive
information about the words included. Abridged dictionaries omit
words that do not regularly appear in books, magazines, and newspapers.
Specialized dictionaries provide detailed information about the words
that apply to a particular subject such as space, math, biology, psychology,
and many more. They include technical words that are rarely used outside of
the subject.
2. Thesaurus
A thesaurus
contains synonyms for commonly used words. A synonym is a word that
has the same meaning or nearly the same meaning as another word. For example,
"simple" is a synonym for "easy." A thesaurus contains many more synonyms for
a word than does a dictionary. A thesaurus can help you precisely express your
ideas when writing.
3. Encyclopedia
An encyclopedia
contains articles on a variety of subjects. The articles are written by
experts on each of the subjects. In addition to articles, encyclopedias may
include illustrations and diagrams, definitions of some words, and references
to additional information. A general encyclopedia includes overview
articles on a wide range of topics. A subject encyclopedia contains
longer and more detailed articles on specific topics, events, or fields of
study.
4. Almanac
An almanac is
an annual single-volume reference source that contains useful facts about a
wide range of topics. You can learn about countries of the world, government,
historical events, and many other topics. Because almanacs are revised each
year, the information is current.
5.
Atlas
An atlas is a
collection of maps. The most common atlas contains maps that show the
political and physical features of countries throughout the world. A
political map shows government boundaries. A physical map
shows the features of the earth's surface such as mountains, deserts, and
bodies of water. You may also use a road map to learn how to get from
place to place. There are also specialized atlases for such things as
weather across the world, oceans of the world, and even the anatomy of the
human body.
Wherever you study, be sure you have access to each of these important
reference sources.
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