Dictionaries are usually used to find out the meanings of unknown words. However, learners' dictionaries contain a great deal of information that learners can use vocabulary productively. This activity develops this skill.
Procedure
1. Write an unfamiliar word on the blackboard and tell the learners to form groups.
2. Tell the learners to follow these steps to gather information about the word that will help them write an original sentence contain the word.
a. Find the meaning of the word
b. Use the grammar notes and examples in the dictionary to find out about the grammar of the word.
- What part of speech is it?
- If it is a noun it countable or uncountable?
- If it is a verb, does it take an object?
c. Look at the examples and note the similarity in their sentence patterns.
d. Copy these patterns to write a new sentence.
4. Have each group write its sentence on the Joard and discuss the results. Paul Nation's interests include the teaching and earring of vocabulary and teaching methodology.