Week 11: Online Dictionaries in Second Language Learning

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Every student that is learning a second language starts to use a dictionary since it helps students to look for words that they do not know and to be more knowledgeable. Most of the students prefer using an online dictionary because it is easier to use than a paper dictionary as they think that paper dictionaries are big and bulky to bring to classes, and it is difficult to look for a word because paper dictionaries have such an extensive content, which makes any word search a time-consuming task. For that reason, they choose an easy way to look for vocabulary and words unknown for them. Using an online dictionary is common nowadays because there are many applications that students can use in their cellphones; besides, online dictionaries offer a lot of information about a word, like different meanings, example sentences of words use, pronunciation guides, quick find etc. so students will learn many things using a online dictionary. However, students must be careful when using online dictionaries because no all online dictionaries are reliable of use as they do not give a good definition of a word; for that reason, teachers should recommend students which dictionary can be the best option for them to use.