Using Different Reference Materials

1. ATLAS
a. a book that contains a collection of maps of different continents and countries
b. helpful book in social studies
c. the index of countries, cities, and physical features (rivers, deserts, mountain ranges etc) is
found either at the back or at the front pages of the atlas
2. ALMANAC
a. A book published every year which gives updated information such as statistics and facts on
many subjects (politics, religion, education, weather, music, entertainment)
3. DICTIONARY
a. An alphabetical listing of words which provides the following information about a word: spelling,
pronunciation, part of speech, meaning, usage, etymology, synonyms and antonyms, and
syllabication.
4. ENCYCLOPEDIA
a. A set of books or volumes that contain important information about many subjects such as
history, science, famous people, arts, sports, countries, etc. The articles are arranged
alphabetically.
b. The titles of these articles are arranged alphabetically.
c. People are listed by their last names.
5. NEWSPAPER
a. Provides the most recent reports on issues regarding government and politics locally and also
internationally.
b. Gives the most important events in politics, religion, education, social conditions, government
and industry.
6. THESAURUS
a. A book of synonyms and antonyms
b. It is helpful for people who want to use a variety of words with almost the same meaning or
opposite meanings.

For each question, choose the best resource to use.

1. Zoe is doing a report on Zimbabwe and needs to know what the country's average temperature is in the
winter. Where should she look first?
a. dictionary
b. television
c. almanac
d. newspaper

2. Brian needs to know the distance between Brussels and Brisbane. What resource should he use first?
a. personal interview
b. newspaper
c. encyclopedia
d. atlas

3. Michael wants the latest medical news about mumps. Which of the following would provide him with the
latest research information?
a. books
b. Internet
c. atlas
d. newspaper

4. Ben is doing research on zebras and wants to read a good general background article on the animal. Where
should he look?
a. newspaper
b. almanac
c. encyclopedia
d. interview with someone that's been on an African Safari

5. Sue wants to know what the life of a teacher might be like. Where should she turn?
a. dictionary
b. an interview with a teacher
c. encyclopedia
d. educational journal

6. Jessie wants to read about the airport expansion project currently taking place in her city. The information
seems to change daily. Where should she go for information?
a. encyclopedia
b. reference book on airports
c. local newspaper
d. almanac