Essential Worksheets

On this page you can find downloadable PDFs written specially for the Macmillan Essential Dictionary. These worksheets can be used for developing students’ dictionary skills and for vocabulary building and are suitable for both classroom use and self-study.

Red and black words

The aim of this worksheet is to show the difference between red words and black words in the Macmillan Essential Dictionary and to help students understand and use this information.

Red and black words worksheet

Finding words quickly

The aim of this worksheet is to draw attention to guide words and to help students find words more quickly and easily in their dictionaries.

Finding words quickly worksheet

Word stress

The aim of this worksheet is to show how the dictionary helps students find the right word stress in words with two or more syllables.

Word stress worksheet

Word formation: word families

The aim of this worksheet is to show how words are formed and help students understand words belonging to the same word family.

Word formation: word families worksheet

Register: formal and informal letters

The aim of this worksheet is to compare the language used in a formal and an informal letter.

Register: formal and informal letters worksheet

Metaphor

The aim of this worksheet is to show some of the very basic metaphorical meanings of the parts of the body and to raise students’ awareness of metaphorical use of words.

Metaphor worksheet

Register for free e-lessons

If you need ideas for teaching dictionary skills, let the Essential e-lessons provide the answers. When you register for Essential e-lessons, you’ll receive access to:

• a monthly worksheet that comes complete with teacher’s notes

• an archive of e-lessons with teacher’s notes

Register for Essential e-lessons

Register for MED Magazine

MED Magazine is the unique monthly webzine of the Macmillan English Dictionaries. When you register for MED Magazine, you’ll receive access to:

• a fascinating monthly magazine on words, language and language teaching

• the complete back issues of the MED Magazine

Register for MED Magazine