Use guide words

Key Notes :

What are Guide Words?

Guide words are like helpful signposts at the top of each page in a dictionary. They show you the first and last words on that page, making it super easy to find the word you’re looking for!

Why are Guide Words Important?

Imagine searching for a specific toy in a HUGE toy store without any signs! It would take forever, right? Guide words help us avoid that frustration in a dictionary. They quickly tell us if the word we want is on that page or if we should turn to the next.

How to Use Guide Words:

Here’s a simple guide to using guide words like a pro:

1. Look at the guide words at the top of the page. They’re usually in bold.
2. Think about where your word would fit alphabetically. Would it come before, after, or in between the guide words?
3. If your word comes alphabetically between the guide words, then it’s on that page! If not, try the next page.
4. Scan the page to find your word!

Let’s Practice!

Let’s say the guide words on a page are ‘apple’ and ‘zebra’. Which of these words would you find on that page?

• Ant
• Banana
• Zoo
• Zebra

Explanation: Ant: ‘Ant’ comes alphabetically after ‘apple’, so it’s potentially on this page. Check the second guide word. Banana: ‘Banana’ comes alphabetically after ‘apple’, so it’s potentially on this page. Check the second guide word. Zoo: ‘Zoo’ comes alphabetically after ‘apple’ but before ‘zebra’, so it’s potentially on this page. Check the second guide word. Zebra: ‘Zebra’ is one of the guide words, so it’s DEFINITELY on the page!

Answers: Ant: No, ‘ant’ comes before ‘apple’ Banana: Yes, ‘banana’ is between ‘apple’ and ‘zebra’ Zoo: Yes, ‘zoo’ is between ‘apple’ and ‘zebra’ Zebra: Yes, ‘zebra’ is one of the guide words

Next Steps

Now that you know what guide words are, try using them the next time you use a dictionary! You’ll be surprised how much faster you can find the words you need. Happy searching!

let’s practice!