Reference Sources
Which reference source should you use to find the information you need?
LEARNING TARGET: I will be able to decide accurately the reference source I should use to find the information I need.
VOCABULARY:
Almanac - An almanac is an annual publication composed of various lists, charts, and tables of information in many unrelated fields. The almanac is full of statistics on population, past events, and weather.
Artifact - An artifact is an object made by humans, especially an object remaining from a particular period in history.
Atlas - An atlas is a book of maps.
Autobiography - An autobiography is a written account of a person's life by himself or herself.
Biography - A biography is a written account of another person's life.
Books - Books are good sources because they go into great depth about one subject. Like with all resources, it's important to double-check the information you find in books because the information could be outdated—especially if the book was printed several years ago.
CD-ROM - A CD-ROM is a storage disc containing information, games, learning tools, or computer software.
Diary - A diary is a first-person account of an event. People write their thoughts, feelings, and observations in diaries. Many years later, historians can read the diaries to gain more information about a historical event.
Dictionary - Use the dictionary to find the definition of a word or to learn its spelling or pronunciation.
E-mail - E-mail is short for electronic mail, an excellent communication medium found on computers via Internet access. In addition to traditional notes, you can also attach documents to messages to be printed out by the recipient.
Encyclopedia - An encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference book that has information on a wide variety of subjects. Encyclopedias are good for summary reports on a great many topics.
Field Trip - A field trip is a trip to a particular location or museum for learning purposes.
Footnote - Footnotes are found at the bottom of the corresponding book page. These notes explain which outside source the author used. Footnotes can also be used to expand upon information in the paragraph. When found at the end of a book, these notes are called end notes.
Glossary - A glossary is found at the back of a textbook. This resource is an alphabetical list of terms and definitions, specific to the book.
Index - An index is found at the end of a book. This alphabetical resource lists terms, people, or pictures found in the book and their corresponding page numbers.
Journal - A journal is a collection of articles written by scholars and experts. Journals cover one subject, like the New England Journal of Medicine.
Library Catalogue Database - The library catalogue database is a searchable resource at the library found on computers. It helps a person find a book, a magazine, a video, or other media by title, author, or subject. The database is often accessible online.
Magazine - A magazine provides detailed information on a particular subject or person of interest. Magazines can be a good resource because they often offer interesting slants, or perspectives, on different subjects, events, and people.
Newspaper - A newspaper is a daily publication of articles. The articles cover current events. A local newspaper will be a source of information for local issues and events.
Online Newspaper Archives - Old newspaper articles are stored in online archives. Libraries and well-established newspaper companies should have an archives section on their Web sites. There, people can easily find old articles by searching by date and subject.
People - People are an excellent research resource when they provide stories, personal experiences, or professional knowledge. Librarians are an exceptional resource for research.
Periodicals - Newspapers and magazines are called periodicals. Newspapers give some of the most up-to-date information available, and a majority of the information you find can be trusted as fact. Because they cover a lot of information and topics, newspapers can't go into as much detail as other print sources like magazines or books. Magazines can be a good resource because they often offer interesting slants or perspectives on an event.
Search Engine - Search engines are Internet sites that quickly scan Web sites and pages for the keywords entered. Be careful to use respected, verifiable sites when doing Internet research.
Table of Contents - A table of content is found at the beginning of a book. This resource shows chapter titles and main ideas.
Thesaurus - Use the thesaurus to find a synonym of a word. When you look up a word in the thesaurus, you will find a list of words that mean nearly the same thing.
QUIZZES
Reference Sources Quiz - 6th grade - December 4, 2017
Reference Sources Quiz - 7th grade - December 7, 2017
Reference Sources Quiz - 8th grade - December 8, 2017
Reference Sources Matching Quiz - modified - December 2017
STUDY VIDEOS
Encyclopedia, Dictionary, Thesaurus, Atlas, and Almanac
Reference Sources Flashcards
Click on the link above to practice your Vocabulary List #1 on Quizlet.
Matching Quiz
Answers to Reference Sources Matching Quiz
There are sample quizzes below to help you study your Research Vocabulary Set 1. You'll need pencil and paper.
You will need the password to see the answers. The teacher will type in the password for you once you click on the link to the answers.
Quiz 1 has 15 questions. Quiz 2 has 22 questions. Quiz 3 has 53 questions.
You will need the password to see the answers. The teacher will type in the password for you once you click on the link to the answers.
Quiz 1 has 15 questions. Quiz 2 has 22 questions. Quiz 3 has 53 questions.