Vocab - How To Translate / Define

Vocabulary
  • How do I deal with unknown / unfamiliar words?
  • What tools do I have to define / translate new words?
  • How can I check whether my translation is correct? 

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Slide 1: Tekstslide
EngelsMiddelbare schoolhavoLeerjaar 4

In deze les zitten 15 slides, met interactieve quizzen en tekstslides.

time-iconLesduur is: 30 min

Onderdelen in deze les

Vocabulary
  • How do I deal with unknown / unfamiliar words?
  • What tools do I have to define / translate new words?
  • How can I check whether my translation is correct? 

Slide 1 - Tekstslide

Index
  • Step-by-step plan 
  • Practice questions 

Slide 2 - Tekstslide

Step-by-step plan
  1. You find an unknown / unfamiliar word.
  2. Reread the sentence(s) before and after the word.
  3. Use this context to infer (=guess) the meaning of the word.

  • Sometimes, steps 1 through 3 are enough! 


Slide 3 - Tekstslide

Step-by-step plan
4. Determine whether you are dealing with a noun, adjective, preposition or verb.
5. Use a physical or online dictionary to look up potential definitions or synonyms/antonyms.
6. Determine which definition is most logical with regards to the context. 

Slide 4 - Tekstslide

Online dictionaries
  • English dictionaries: Oxford Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Wiktionary, Thesaurus 
  • Dutch-English dictionaries: Linguee, Bab.la, Word Reference

Obsolete -> verouderd (taal)gebruik
Archaic -> verouderd (taal)gebruik 
Colloquial -> spreektaal

Slide 5 - Tekstslide

Slide 6 - Link

Slide 7 - Link

Let's practice!
  • Take out your phone so you can participate.
  • Try to translate / define the following words.
  • Use contextual clues or prior knowledge!

Slide 8 - Tekstslide

What does audible mean?
"A dog whistle makes a high-pitched sound that is only audible to dogs?"

Slide 9 - Open vraag

What does detest mean?
"Tim does not just hate pizza. He absolutely detests it."

Slide 10 - Open vraag

What does employ mean?
"The very idea of chimpanzees employing language is ludicrous to many people."
A
een baan geven
B
gebruiken
C
gebruik
D
in dienst nemen

Slide 11 - Quizvraag

What does alter mean?
"Grandpa didn't know that Suzie would come on the trip, so he had to alter the plans to include her."
A
alternatief
B
aanpassing
C
wijzigen
D
verschillend

Slide 12 - Quizvraag

What is an English synonym of "in lieu of"? Use the internet.

Slide 13 - Open vraag

Conclusion
  • Use contextual clues
  • Pick the most logical option
  • Always know if it's a verb / adjective / noun 
  • Use online dictionaries carefully! (Look for: [x] definition)
  • Use synonyms to expand your vocabulary
  • Do not use google translate for whole sentences! 

Slide 14 - Tekstslide

Slide 15 - Link