Reference materials are sources that provide background information or facts on a given topic. These are four types of reference materials that writers often refer to during their work:
Dictionary: A dictionary is a reference material that lists words and their definitions alphabetically. They also provide additional information about the words, such as etymology. Writers usually refer to these when they want to learn the meaning of a particular word.
Thesaurus: A thesaurus is similar to a dictionary, but instead of providing definitions, these usually provide synonyms and antonyms. These are useful for writers who want to add variety to their writing.
Encyclopedia: Encyclopedias are reference materials that contain general information about a vast number of topics. These are organized alphabetically. Encyclopedias are used by writers in order to gain general information about a particular subject, or as a starting point for finding facts about a subject.
Handbook: A handbook is a reference material that contains facts about a specific subject, or instructions about a specific task. These are often similar to manuals of guidebooks. Writers might use these when they need to know how to perform a particular task, but are interested in only having an overview or a quick consultation, as opposed to gaining expertise.
