Using an English / English Dictionary

Using an English / English Dictionary ESL Lesson

Using an English/English dictionary is an essential skill for any ESL student. These dictionaries are specially designed to help non-native speakers understand the nuances of English words, their usages, pronunciation, and grammatical contexts. By mastering the use of these dictionaries, students can significantly enhance their English vocabulary, improve reading comprehension, and gain confidence in their language abilities. Whether it’s a traditional book or a digital version, learning how to effectively navigate an English/English dictionary is a step toward language proficiency.

Vocabulary

• wide choice – lots of different ones to choose from 

• bilingual – two languages

• to be against – disagree with

• to look up – to search for something in a book

Reading Comprehension

Today’s English learner has a wide choice of dictionaries in which to choose from. There are dictionaries with American English, with British English, with idioms or slang, and even with pictures. One of the most popular dictionaries I have seen among many students are talking electronic dictionaries. All you have to do is type in a word in your language and you can see it and hear it in English. That’s great, right? Well, I think it’s great, too… but only sometimes.

Bilingual electronic dictionaries are fast and easy. They can be great when you are traveling and need information quickly. But I am against electronic dictionaries and even bilingual paper dictionaries in many cases. Let me explain…

When you reach an intermediate level of English (about the level of 5 Minute English) you know enough of the language to ask the meaning of certain things while using English. Translating between languages in your head takes time. You should be translating as little as possible and you should be thinking in English as much as possible. I strongly recommend that intermediate and advanced students use an English-English dictionary made especially for your understanding. For example, Longman has a good dictionary for students. Other companies do, too.

I also feel that paper (book) dictionaries are better for studying than electronic dictionaries. True, they take longer to use. But, for some reason, the information you look up seems to stay in your head longer. It may be because you were forced to spell the word in your head and therefore “see it” more clearly in your mind.

So what do you do if you have checked an English-English dictionary and still don’t understand something? Go to your bilingual dictionary. It is useful sometimes. Just remember to try to stay in English as much as possible.

Practice Quiz on Using an English/English Dictionary

To test your understanding of how to use an English/English dictionary effectively, here are six T/F questions to consider:

Questions and Answers – Choose True or False.

Check your answers below once you’ve completed the Quiz.

According to the author…

1. A very popular dictionary is a talking electronic dictionary.
True or False

2. Electronic dictionaries are great for learning English.
True or False

3. Electronic dictionaries are great for traveling.
True or False

4. Intermediate students of English should use electronic dictionaries as much as possible.
True or False

5. Using a bilingual dictionary forces you to think in English.
True or False

6. You should never use a bilingual dictionary.
True or False

Frequently Asked Questions about Using an English/English Dictionary

Answer Key:

1. True
2. False
3. True
4. False
5. False
6. False