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Reference Materials

Reference Materials

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Introduction:Introduction:• We use reference

materials to help us with our research or writing.

• Reference Reference materials give us materials give us factualfactual information information to make our work to make our work accurate and easy accurate and easy to understand.to understand.

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The Dictionary:The Dictionary:• The dictionary is a

book that gives definitions of words.

• It lists words in ABC It lists words in ABC order.order.

• By using guide words found at the top of each page, we can find the location of the entry word.

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The Thesaurus:The Thesaurus:• The thesaurus is

used to help us with our writing.

• It lists It lists synonymssynonyms and and antonymsantonyms so we may so we may add variety to our add variety to our word choices.word choices.

• Words are in ABC order.

• Not all thesauruses have Not all thesauruses have antonyms.antonyms.

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The Atlas:The Atlas:

• An atlas is a book of maps.

• Maps are listed in Maps are listed in ABC order.ABC order.

• There are different types:

world atlasesworld atlases atlases of countries

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Encyclopedias:Encyclopedias:

• Encyclopedias are a set of books used to find information.

• Topics are listed in ABC order. Topics are listed in ABC order. • Articles provide basic

information about each topic.

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The Internet:The Internet:• The Internet is a

worldwide network connecting millions of computers.

• It is a way to get It is a way to get information from all information from all around the world around the world through a computer.through a computer.

• Search engines (like Google) are used to find information.

iGoogle

The Almanac:The Almanac:

• The Almanac is a book that is published yearly.

• It includes weather It includes weather forecasts, gardening forecasts, gardening tips, tide tables, tips, tide tables, Olympic Game results Olympic Game results & other information. & other information.

• The Table of Contents can be used to help find a topic.

http://www.almanac.com/extras/2009/index.php

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The Newspaper:The Newspaper:

• The newspaper is apublication, usuallypublished daily or weekly.

• It contains current news, editorials, It contains current news, editorials, articles, and advertisements.articles, and advertisements.

• Articles are arranged in sections by Articles are arranged in sections by topic such as: international, national topic such as: international, national and local news, sports and business.and local news, sports and business.

• A Table of Contents is available.A Table of Contents is available.

Lets Test Your Knowledge

• Answer the following question about reference sources

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• Zoe is doing a report on Zimbabwe and needs to know what the country's average temperature is in the winter. Where should she look first?

• a. dictionaryb. televisionc. almanacd. newspaper

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Alamanc

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• Brian needs to know the distance between Brussels and Brisbane. What resource should he use first?

• a. personal interviewb. newspaperc. encyclopediad. atlas

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Atlas

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• Michael wants the latest medical news about mumps. Which of the following would provide him with the latest research information?

• a. booksb. Internetc. atlasd. newspaper

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Internet

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• Ben is doing research on zebras and wants to read a good general background article on the animal. Where should he look?

• a. newspaperb. almanacc. encyclopedia d. interview with someone that's been on an African Safari

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Encyclopedia

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• Sue wants to know what the life of a teacher might be like. Where should she turn?

• a. dictionaryb. an interview with a teacherc. encyclopediad. educational journal

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Interview with a teacher

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• Where can you find the definition of the word terrestrial?

• almanac • dictionary• atlas• thesaurus

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• Jessie wants to read about the airport expansion project currently taking place in her city. The information seems to change daily. Where should she go for information?

• a. encyclopediab. reference book on airportsc. local newspaperd. almanac

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Local Newspaper

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