Summer of Reading with Read&Write – Dictionaries
Welcome to post six in our “Summer of Reading with Read&Write” series. For a quick reminder, Read&Write is free for all staff and students at RRC Polytech to use! While it has many, many, features, we’re highlighting the reading features in this blog series.
Disclaimer: this post assumes that users have both installed and signed into Read&Write, and self-registered in the Read&Write Tutorial in LEARN. If you haven’t, we suggest reviewing:
- Our Summer Reading with Read&Write – Kick Off blog post,
- Post two, Summer of Reading with Read&Write – Reading Basics,
- Post three, Summer of Reading with Read&Write – Unreadable Text,
- Post four, Summer of Reading with Read&Write – Screen Masking,
- and post five, Summer of Reading with Read&Write – Highlighters.
Dictionary
When you’re reading, whether it’s a textbook chapter, an online article, or a study guide, it’s normal to come across words you don’t recognize. Instead of searching them up in a separate tab, or worse: your ever distracting cell phone, use Read&Write’s Dictionary tool!
The Dictionary is built right into the Read&Write toolbar, giving you quick definitions (that can be read aloud), pronunciations, and support whenever you need it. This helps you stay focused and makes reading feel less overwhelming.
Picture Dictionary
Read&Write also has an option of a Picture Dictionary. This shows an image to help explain basic words. While it isn’t the main focus for academic reading, it can be helpful for visual learners.
Why Use the Dictionary?
The Dictionary is great for:
- Building vocabulary
- Understanding complex readings
- Studying for quizzes and tests
- Reading in your second language
- Staying focused without switching apps
Instead of guessing the meaning of a word or interrupting your reading flow, everything you need is available with one click.
How to Use the Dictionary
- Select the word you’d like a definition for using your cursor (double click, or select and drag to highlight)
- Select either the Dictionary or Picture Dictionary icon from the Read&Write toolbar
- A new pop-up window will appear with the selected word and definition(s)
- Either select the play icon next to the definition (web extension); or select the text and then select play from the Read&Write toolbar (desktop)
More Information
For more information, check out the Dictionary & Picture Dictionary section of the Read&Write LEARN Tutorial!
“Homework”
Use the dictionary in both the desktop and web extension of Read&Write to listen to a definition read aloud.
AI Usage Acknowledgement
This post was jointly written by Copilot and a human.