| LESSON PLAN BY DIANE McCARGAR
|
Using a Thesaurus
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:
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| 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 get your recipe for cheesecake?
Thanks again for inviting me. I had a great time.
Yours truly, Diane
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|
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.
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