PLUG-INs Information Literacy @ Fujariah Colleges

PLUG-INs Information Literacy @ Fujariah Colleges USING THE THESAURUS & DICTIONARY IN MS WORD

Have you ever used a book like this ?

What is a THESAURUS ? ? ?

ATHESAURUS is a book that lists words with similar meanings. These words are called synonyms or near-synonyms.

For example : Money Cash Currency Funds Capital Another example : Beautiful Pretty Gorgeous Lovely Handsome

How is a Thesaurus different from a Dictionary ? A thesaurus does not have all words in it; only words with similar meanings

You can use a print-based Thesaurus but . . . There is a THESAURUS in the computer program MS WORD that is very easy to use .

For instance, to change a word in a WORD file, like “phenomenon” . . . highlight it !

Go to the Review tab at the top of the toolbar. And, click : Thesaurus

On the right, you will see words with a similar meaning to phenomenon.

If you like the word “trend” . . . You can either : insert it, copy it, or look it up

It’s best to look up “trend” in the dictionary to see if it is correct for our text. Click: Encarta Dictionary: English

It shows you the meaning .

Let’s do it again. Highlight “increasing” Similar words appear on the right.

Click: Insert “Rising” is a good word to use in place of “increasing.”

To practice using the dictionary,what does “centuries” mean? Highlight it and click the Encarta Dictionary. One century means 100 years; so, write 200 years.

Let’s look at the results . . . • ORIGINAL ……….. NEW WORD • Phenomenon….. . Trend • Increasing …..….. Rising • Centuries ……….. 200 years

Let’s see the new phrase. • ORIGINAL • The phenomenon trend of increasing rising temperatures onEarth over the past one or two centuries 200 years • NEW • The trend of rising temperatures on Earth over the past 200 years

I hope this helps you find words to use in your writing. Ask your friendly librarian or teacher if you have questions.

Thank you for listening.

PLUG-INs Information Literacy @ Fujariah Colleges