Using a Thesaurus
English: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 2.3.2
Using a Thesaurus for Spelling
Using a thesaurus helps us look up synonyms for a word. Synonyms are words that mean the same thing.
Synonyms
- Synonyms are words that mean the same thing.
- E.g. Synonyms of 'strong' would be powerful, muscular, fit, well built, etc.
Why do we use a thesaurus?
- In our writing, we sometimes want to use a more exciting word.
- But what can we do if we can't think of an alternative?
- It is important that we use a thesaurus to help us.
- The first few letters of the word will help us begin to find it in the thesaurus.
Example
- Imagine you are looking up the word 'develop' to find its synonyms.
- Look up 'd'.
- Look up 'de'.
- Look up 'dev'.
Find 'develop'!
- By now, you should be able to find the word 'develop'.
- But if you cannot find it just yet, don't worry!
- You can look up the fourth or fifth letter if that helps you.
- Once you have found the word, you can find its synonyms!
Test yourself on Using a Thesaurus
What do we use a thesaurus for?
What do we use to find synonyms for words?
You want to find a synonym for the word 'flower'. What should you use to find the synonym?
Order the steps for checking the spelling of 'happy' in a Thesaurus