Your students have varying needs for using a dictionary ranging from help with spelling, getting a definition, figuring out how to use a word correctly, and even learning the word’s origin. With so many valuable reasons for using a dictionary, why do students hesitate? Students have difficulty if they can’t spell the word correctly or are unable to understand the definitions. 

Take a look at this comparison between a popular standard dictionary and the Longman Dictionary of American English. Which definition would your student more easily comprehend?

Brain \brān\ n  The part of the vertebrate central nervous system, enclosed in the cranium and composed of gray matter and white matter, that is the primary center for the regulation and control of bodily activities, the receiving and interpreting of sensory impulses, and the exercising of thought and emotion. 

Longman Dictionary of American English: 

Brain \breın\ n  The organ inside your head that controls how you think, feel, and move. 

You work carefully to match textbooks to students’ ability; the same should be true with your reference materials. 

A dictionary is not a useful tool when students encounter circular definitions that require further clarification. English learners need clear explanations of meanings using familiar, accessible, and comprehensible language. That is why all Longman dictionaries are written using the Longman 2,000-word Defining Vocabulary. This carefully chosen defining vocabulary is the result of thorough studies of all the well-known frequency lists of English words. Only the most common words on the list have actually been used in Longman definitions. 

In addition, students need a dictionary that is appropriate for their learning level and has the coverage they need. While the definitions in all Longman dictionaries are equally accessible using the same 2,000-word defining vocabulary, each dictionary provides a different depth of information and the number of words that are defined. 

To learn more about which Longman dictionary is right for your classroom, visit us online at www.pearsonlongmanusa.com/dictionaries