Where there is a cultural point to be made-ie for Christmas pudding, the dictionary suggests how the speaker can get round there not being an exact equivalent. We get pupils working on the Easy Learning Dictionaries as early as possible and have introduced a dictionary test as part of National Curriculum testing as a discrete element. Naturally we have had to buy quite large numbers of the dictionaries but we also encourage the pupils to purchase their own so that they get all the practice they need. I think it is particularly important to have in schemes fo work the centrality of the dictionary when introducing verb endings. Make sure pupils are fully aware of tenses and where to find them in the centre of the dictionary.
Speed is of the essence when looking up words in an exam.
Early training should helping the student find his way around the dictionary. Speed tests are popular and give a sense of satisfaction. When it comes to exams it is very important not to let pupils over rely on their dictionary. It is probably best for teachers to train pupils only to use the dictionary as a last resort for this paper. Most of the earlier questions at both levels are fairly obvious.