A: Reading : If you click on the link below, you will find a tutorial about how to use an online dictionary.
How to use the LONGMAN DICTIONARY OF CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH ONLINE
B. If you prefer images , here is a video tutorial:
C. FAQs (Frequently asked questions) about dictionaries (Source)
1. Should I use a normal English dictionary, or a bilingual one?It's generally better to use a normal English (monolingual) dictionary. There are three main advantages of these dictionaries:
* They give you practice in understanding English.
* As the definitions and examples are in English, you can see immediately how a word is used.
* Because many English words won't translate directly into your language, you have to be careful with bilingual dictionaries when you write down the meaning of the word.
2. Why can't I understand the definitions?
Perhaps your dictionary is too complicated. Try using one that's especially designed for learners of English
at your level. It's annoying if you can't understand the definition or example sentence of a new word. It's much better to start off with a simpler dictionary, such as Longman Active Study Dictionary
, then move on to a more complex one later.
at your level. It's annoying if you can't understand the definition or example sentence of a new word. It's much better to start off with a simpler dictionary, such as Longman Active Study Dictionary, then move on to a more complex one later.No dictionary contains all the words and expressions in English (currently estimated to be around 1 million). The average person knows at least 60,000 words, so a useful dictionary will have around 80,000 words and expressions.
4. Why can't I find the words in my dictionary?
English is changing – every year there are new words and expressions. Make sure your dictionary is fairly new, as any dictionary older than a few years may be out-of-date. If you're looking for a special or technical word, it might be a good idea to invest in a specialised dictionary or search the Internet
.
.D. Your Opinion (written activity)
Please, write in "comments" the answers to these two questions.- What have you found interesting about on-line dictionaries?
- What have you learnt after watching the video or reading the tutorial?
