Using Reference Sources
As you go through school, youwill need to use reference sources to find information about topics,locate facts, and answer questions. Here are five types of referencesources you should use. Each type is available in print forms, onCD-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 particularsubject such as space, math, biology, psychology, and many more. Theyinclude 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 asanother word. For example, "simple" is a synonym for "easy." Athesaurus contains many more synonyms for a word than does adictionary. A thesaurus can help you precisely express your ideas whenwriting.
3. Encyclopedia
An encyclopedia contains articles on a variety of subjects. The articles are written byexperts on each of the subjects. In addition to articles, encyclopediasmay include illustrations and diagrams, definitions of some words, andreferences 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 anannual single-volume reference source that contains useful facts abouta wide range of topics. You can learn about countries of the world,government, historical events, and many other topics. Because almanacsare revised each year, the information is current.
5. Atlas
An atlas isa collection of maps. The most common atlas contains maps that show thepolitical 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.
Source of article: www.how-to-study.com
