Checking the Meaning of Words

What are we learning today?

You will learn how to check the meaning of a new word or fact with books or the Internet.

Explanation

Do not stop reading when you meet a new word. Follow this plan.

• Guess the meaning from the context (the words around the word).
• Check in a dictionary, a word list or on a website.
• Compare the meaning with the sentence.
• Write the word with its meaning.

Use two sources. If both give the same meaning, you can trust it.

Examples

1. You read "A computer's brain is in its chip." You guess: a small part inside a computer. Then you check in a dictionary.
2. CPU means Central Processing Unit.
3. Write "quadrillion = 1,000,000,000,000,000" in your notebook after you check it.

Remember!

• Do not accept the first search result without comparing.
• Write a short meaning, not a long definition.

Check yourself

1. What is the first step when you meet a new word?
2. Why do you use two sources?