How well can your students use a monolingual EFL dictionary? Try a 'dictionary lesson' to help them develop this important skill.
Aim
To improve students' ability to use a monolingual EFL dictionary.
You need
A set of monolingual EFL dictionaries
Procedure
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Start by asking students to brainstorm in three minutes what they use a dictionary for. They should come up with some or all of these points.
Looking up meanings, looking up spellings, checking pronunciation, finding answers to grammar problems, finding out how to use words in the right context, choosing the correct word, learning new words, using prepositions correctly. |
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Ask students to discuss in groups what the advantages and disadvantages of a monolingual dictionary are. Use this list to help the discussion.
Advantages
- The definitions are closer to the real meaning/more accurate than a word from your own language.
- The example sentences show how the word is used in everyday English.
- There is more space for extra information on grammar and usage.
- It helps you to think in English.
- There is no unnecessary information about the students' own language.
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Disadvantages
- The definitions are not always easy to understand.
- There is too much information so it takes longer to use.
- There are no translations so it is more difficult to use and understand.
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Give students the vocabulary worksheet and tell them to work in pairs or groups, using a dictionary to help them find the right meanings. |
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Ask students to choose a word and write definitions of their own and then compare them with the dictionary entries. |
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The winner is the last remaining student. |
Answers: 1a 2b 3c 4a 5c 6b |
Using dictionaries