Using Reference Materials to Check Spelling - Grade 4 Practice

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel

Using Reference Materials to Check Spelling provides grade-level practice for learning how to use dictionaries and other reference tools when spelling is uncertain. Activities explain dictionary guide words, alphabetical order, pronunciation respelling marks, and how meanings are organized within an entry. Practice questions guide students to determine which page contains a given word, choose the correct entry meaning for a sentence, and select the right reference book for synonyms, reinforcing efficient look-up strategies.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Quick Review

Using Dictionary Reference Materials

Multiple-Choice Practice

Answer Keys & Explanations

Practice Progress Succeed | New Jersey NJSLA Grade 4 English [L.4.2e] [E](EffortlessMath.com)[f](EffortlessMath.com)[f](EffortlessMath.com)[o](EffortlessMath.com)[r](EffortlessMath.com)[t](EffortlessMath.com)[l](EffortlessMath.com)[e](EffortlessMath.com)[s](EffortlessMath.com)[s](EffortlessMath.com)[M](EffortlessMath.com)[a](EffortlessMath.com)[t](EffortlessMath.com)[h](EffortlessMath.com)[.](EffortlessMath.com)[c](EffortlessMath.com)[o](EffortlessMath.com)[m](EffortlessMath.com) Using Reference Materials to Check Spelling | Name: | Date: | Score: / 10 | | --- | --- | --- | | | |
Quick Review | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | When you are not sure how to spell a word, use a reference: a dictionary, glossary, thesaurus, or spell-checker. Dictionary entries are in alphabetical order. GUIDE WORDS at the top of each page show the FIRST and LAST entry on that page—a word fits on the page only if it falls alphabetically between them. An entry also gives a pronunciation respelling (dots show syllables; the mark ′ shows the stressed syllable) and may list more than one meaning. | | | PRACTICE Choose the best answer. 1. What are the GUIDE WORDS on a dictionary page? A. the longest words on the page B. the words you look up most often C. words that are synonyms of each other D. the first and last entry words on the page 2. Which word would be found on a page with guide words 'magnet—marble'? A. machine B. many C. mask D. meadow 3. Which list is in correct alphabetical order? A. paper, pencil, picture, pond B. pencil, paper, picture, pond C. picture, paper, pencil, pond D. paper, picture, pencil, pond 4. Which list is in correct alphabetical order? A. pencil, peach, penguin, people B. peach, penguin, pencil, people C. peach, pencil, penguin, people D. peach, pencil, people, penguin Scan Me Practice Progress Succeed | New Jersey NJSLA Grade 4 English [L.4.2e] [E](EffortlessMath.com)[f](EffortlessMath.com)[f](EffortlessMath.com)[o](EffortlessMath.com)[r](EffortlessMath.com)[t](EffortlessMath.com)[l](EffortlessMath.com)[e](EffortlessMath.com)[s](EffortlessMath.com)[s](EffortlessMath.com)[M](EffortlessMath.com)[a](EffortlessMath.com)[t](EffortlessMath.com)[h](EffortlessMath.com)[.](EffortlessMath.com)[c](EffortlessMath.com)[o](EffortlessMath.com)[m](EffortlessMath.com) [5](5). A dictionary shows: ad·ven·ture. What does this tell you? A. The word has three meanings. B. The word has three syllables. C. The word should be pronounced loudly. D. The word is divided into prefix, root, and suffix. 6. If you wanted to check the spelling of 'celebrate', which page would you check? A. a page with guide words 'cab—cake' B. a page with guide words 'candy—carrot' C. a page with guide words 'cherry—child' D. a page with guide words 'ceiling—cement' 7. A dictionary shows 'bat': (1) a stick used to hit a ball,(2) a flying animal. Which meaning fits this sentence? 'The player swung the bat hard.' A. meaning 1 (the stick used to hit a ball) B. meaning 2 (the flying animal) C. both meanings D. neither meaning 8. A dictionary entry begins: hum·ble (h■m′b■l) . The mark ′ after 'h■m' means: A. that syllable is silent B. the word has two meanings C. that syllable is stressed (said more strongly) D. the word rhymes with another word 9. You see the word 'mint' in a book about money: ‘The coins came straight from the mint.’ Which dictionary meaning of 'mint' fits this sentence? A. a small green plant used as flavoring B. a place where coins are made C. a type of candy D. perfect or unused condition 10. Which reference book should you use to find a SYNONYM (another word with the same meaning)? A. a thesaurus B. a dictionary [C.](C. an)[ an](C. an) atlas [D.](D. an)[ an](D. an) encyclopedia Scan Me Practice Progress Succeed | New Jersey NJSLA Grade 4 English [L.4.2e] [E](EffortlessMath.com)[f](EffortlessMat

FAQs

How do guide words help you find a word in a dictionary?

Guide words show the first and last entry on a page, so you can tell at a glance whether the word you need is on that page.

What does the mark ′ after part of a pronunciation respelling mean?

The mark ′ shows the stressed syllable, meaning it is said more strongly.

Which reference book should you use to find a synonym?

Use a thesaurus to find a synonym, which is another word with the same meaning.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel