STUDY SKILLS GUIDE

Using a dictionary, a textbook and an encyclopaedia

• If you are uncertain about the spelling of a word you have written down, do not leave it as it is – look it up in a dictionary.
   

• If you are using a word processing programme then keep the spelling check on at all times. Correct any word that are underlined in red and check for grammar mistakes if part of your text is underlined in green. However, remember that the spelling check is not perfect. If you type ion by mistake instead of in, for example, the programme will not indicate the mistake because ion is a word.
   

• When you are handed back some corrected work where the spelling mistakes have been indicated, spend some of your homework time using your dictionary to look up how to spell these words correctly. Learn the correct spellings so that you do not make the same mistakes again.
   

• When you read a book and you meet a word that you do not understand, do not just ignore it! Use your dictionary to find the meaning of the word. Learn the meaning of the word and how to spell it.
   

• Every textbook has an index at the back. If you are looking for information about a specific topic, do not just flip through the pages of the textbook. Look up the topic in the index and fin d the correct page references. Look at these pages in the book to find the information you require.
   

• If your textbook does not contain enough information find out more about your topic by using an encyclopaedia or the Internet. The school library is open from 9h to 17h30 every day, except it closes at 17h on Friday.

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