Using a Thesaurus

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Lesson Plans:
Lesson Plan 1		PDF

LITERACY OBJECTIVE

• Learners will be able to use new vocabulary in their writing.

COMPUTER OBJECTIVE

• Learners will be able to use the thesaurus in a word processing program to find synonyms for words.

LEVEL

Intermediate

MATERIALS

A word processing program with a thesaurus

INTRODUCTION

Most word processing programs come with a thesaurus which can help students use new words in their writing. Before attempting the task below students should understand the terms: thesaurus, synonym and antonym. They should also understand that a thesaurus can be used to help define words and increase vocabulary.

PROCEDURE

1. Have students pick an unfamiliar word. You could provide them with a list or they could get one from the newspaper. Help them look it up in the thesaurus on the computer.
2. Have students type a sentence such as the one below and show them how to use the thesaurus to replace one of the words with a synonym (e.g. He ate a large plate of pasta.)
3. Read the following personal letter as a group and have students suggest improvements to it.
   
   

   January 1, 1997
   Dear Fran,

   Thanks for inviting me to dinner on Friday. I really enjoyed myself. I really needed a break because I have been working really long hours at work lately.

   The meal was great. I really liked the lemon chicken and the dessert was great. Could I to get your recipe for cheesecake?

   Thanks again for inviting me. I had a great time.

   Yours truly,
   Diane

4. Then have each student type the letter.
5. When they have finished typing the letter have students use the thesaurus to replace the words “really” and “great” with synonyms. (Before using this lesson, I would suggest that you check the thesaurus in the word processing program you are using to see if it contains synonyms for “really” and “great” that are appropriate for the letter.)
6. Students can finish by saving and printing a copy of the letter with the synonyms in it.

ADAPTATIONS

The reading level and vocabulary of this lesson can be altered by using a different letter or article. The level of computer experience required can also be lowered by having the teacher type the letter ahead of time and asking the students only to replace the words with synonyms.