READING06L25: Reference Materials
OBJECTIVES
1. Enumerate the different reference materials
2. Explain the functions and uses of reference materials
3. Use appropriate reference materials for specific academic tasks
LESSON PREREQUISITE
LESSON PROPER
Reference Materials
References are books or sources that provide background information on
any given topic.
Reference materials hold a wealth of statistical, governmental, and
background information.
Reference materials give factual information researches and other written
work accurate and easy to understand.
Reference materials are resources that a person can use when completing
academic or social and emotional learning tasks. These materials provide
pertinent and useful facts and information that can make work accurate
and easy to understand. They also shift the focus of the task from simple
memorization and recall to higher level thinking and processing.
Some reference materials can be general and readily available such as a
dictionary. Reference materials may also be more specialized and specific
to the task and the learner such as a writing checklist or glossary of key
vocabulary words. Reference materials can be developed by the teacher or
can also be made by the student such as open notes or a word bank which
can be referred to throughout the lesson.
Different Kinds of Reference Materials
1. Encyclopedia
A book or set of books that contain information about many different topics or a lot of information about one particular topic
A set of books that are alphabetically arranged for easy reference
2. Dictionary
A reference book that contains words listed in alphabetical order
Gives information about each word’s meaning, usage, origin, spelling, pronunciation, syllabication, synonyms, and antonyms
3. Atlas
A collection of maps of the different continents, countries, and other places
4. Yearbook
A compilation of important data and statistics regarding health, tourism, education, business that is published annually
5. Almanac
A book published every year that includes information and interesting facts about a special subject such as sports or the weather
6. Newspapers and Magazines
A newspaper provides news from around the world. It also includes current events on certain issues, advertisements, reports and correspondences about government, politics, and the like.
A magazine contains the latest information and interviews about known
personalities. It also contains articles and advertisements focusing on health, entertainment, lifestyle, and the like.
7. Manual or Handbook
It is a book that gives specific or detailed directions or instructions on a particular product.
8. Directory
A book that contains complete names, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons and business establishments.
9. Thesaurus
A reference book that contains words that are listed alphabetically and their synonyms.
While a dictionary gives thorough details on the meaning, definition, usage, and etymology of a word, a thesaurus usually does not contain all the words of the language. It, however, provides several similar alternative words (synonyms), as well
as contrasting words (antonyms).