English 12A: Unit 3

English 12A: Unit 3

fromThe Preface to A Dictionary of the English Language and

fromA Dictionary of theEnglish Language by Samuel Johnson

fromThe Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell

Name______Date______

Vocabulary Builder

Using the Root -dict-(p. 663)

A. DIRECTIONS: The words that follow each contain the word root -dict-, from the Latin for “to

say.” Information about the prefix or suffix of each word is contained in parentheses. On the

line, write the word that best completes each sentence.

dictate (-ate = “act on”)

dictator (-or = “one that does something”)

diction (-ion = “action or process”)

predict (pre- = “before”)

1. When the______seized power, he immediately censored the newspapers.

2. Because their scientific instruments were precise, the meteorologists were able to______accurately the arrival of the storm.

3. The executive began______to her speech into the tape recorder.

4. The actor’s good______enhanced his reading of the short story.

Using the Word List (p. 646)

abasement adulterations caprices credulity malignity risible

B. DIRECTIONS: Match each word in the left column with its definition in the right column. Writethe letter of the definition on the line next to the word it defines.

Grade 12, Unit 3

fromThe Preface to A Dictionary of the English Language and

fromA Dictionary of theEnglish Language by Samuel Johnson

Critical Reading Questions

1. Among what class of workers does Johnson place writers of dictionaries? ______

______

2. What does this ranking suggest about his experience in compiling his Dictionary? ______

______

3. What did the English language lack when Johnson undertook his work? ______

______

4. What do you think Johnson hoped his Dictionary would make available to English speakers and writers? ______

______

5. What is Johnson’s definition of modern? ______

______

6. Compare and contrast Johnson’s definition of this word with our definition of it today. Explain what different values each represents. ______

______

7. What does your comparison above indicate about the nature of language? ______

______

8. Which definitions are most revealing of Johnson’s character and situation? ______

______

9. What do these definitions reveal about Johnson? ______

______

10. Why do you think electricity receives such a long definition? ______

______

11. In what ways is Johnson similar to the scientists whose work he eagerly discusses in this entry? ______

______

12. What does Johnson’s use of quotations suggest about the role of authors in shaping meaning?

______

13. Do you find Johnson’s definitions more or less useful than those of modern dictionaries? Explain. ______

______

Literary Analysis: Dictionary

Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary was not the first to attempt to include all the English words in one volume. However, it was the first dictionary to set a standard for how all English words should be used. Today’s English dictionaries list and define words and provide information about their pronunciation, history, and usage. A modern dictionary entry may also contain a word’s syllabication, part(s) of speech, and the definitions for the word in each part of speech. Some dictionaries have synonym studies, which help users achieve the precise diction and tone they are seeking. Some entries contain a history of the word, correct grammatical usage of the word, illustrations, antonyms, idioms, and foreign words and phrases. Modern dictionaries may also contain roots and other combining forms, abbreviations, and bibliographic and geographic entries. Some even have a section containing brief biographies, or information about the lives of well-known people. Electronic dictionaries on computers have expanded the capabilities of dictionaries. If you are unsure of a spelling, you can enter an approximation of the word and be given choices of possible entries. When looking for a word that fits a particular meaning, you can search the dictionary by entering key words that might be found in its definition.

DIRECTIONS: Read the entry for gang (p. 652) in Johnson’s dictionary and list the different pieces of information he supplies about the word; then look up the word gang in a modern dictionary and note the similarities and differences in the kinds of information supplied. Fill in the chart..

Johnson’s
Dictionary / Both / Modern
Dictionary
 / 

from The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell (pp. 654-661)

Critical Reading Questions

1. How did Boswell meet Johnson? ______

______

2. What does their conversation at that meeting tell you about each of them? ______

______

3. What are some of the topics Johnson discusses that Boswell records “without marking the questions and observations” that produced them? ______

______

4. What do Johnson’s opinions on these topics suggest about his interests and knowledge?

______

5. Briefly summarize Boswell’s remarks on Johnson’s character. ______

______

6. Would Johnson have been less interesting if he had been less “contradictory”? Explain.

______

7. Which label, if any, suits each author better, inventor or conservator? Explain. In your response, use at least two of these Essential Question words: commentary, conventional, authentic.[Connecting to the Essential Question: What is the relationship of the writer to tradition?] ______

______

Reading Strategy: Analyze the Author’s Purpose

You analyze the author’s purpose, or goal in writing, in order to get a clearer idea of thework’s meaning. Every writer has a reason for sitting down to compose something. That purpose

may be to express a certain idea, to persuade people to accept an opinion, to change a situation,

to inform his or her readers, to entertain them, to figure something out. Once you understand

that purpose—the why of the work—you will understand the author’s meaning—the what.

An author’s purpose shapes the meaning of what he or she writes. For example, James

Boswell’s purpose in writing The Life of Samuel Johnson was to capture on paper the greatness

of a very contradictory and large personality, someone whom Boswell dearly loved. As you read

Boswell’s work, you will notice that he gives examples of Johnson’s admirable and lessadmirable traits. Understanding Boswell’s purpose allows you to understand why Boswell

included these examples. You know that he was writing to shed light on a man who was so

memorable—and lovable—because his personality was so rich and complex.

Selection / Author’s Purpose
or Perspective / Example from Text / Effect on Meaning
from The Preface to A Dictionary of the
English Language
from A Dictionary of
the English Language
from The Life of Samuel Johnson

Grade 12, Unit 3