📖 Reading Passage: Two Dictionary Makers

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was an English writer who created A Dictionary of the English Language in 1755. Working alone for nine years, Johnson wrote definitions for over 40,000 words. His dictionary included quotes from famous authors to show how words were used. Johnson wanted to preserve traditional English spelling and grammar rules from British literature.

Noah Webster (1758-1843) was an American lexicographer who published An American Dictionary of the English Language in 1828. Webster believed American English should be different from British English. He simplified spellings (changing "colour" to "color" and "centre" to "center") and included American words and meanings. Webster's work became the foundation for modern American dictionaries.

Key Differences: Johnson focused on preserving traditional British English, while Webster wanted to create a distinctly American version of English. Johnson worked in the 1750s during colonial times, while Webster worked in the early 1800s after American independence. Their different goals shaped how Americans and British people spell and use English today.

🧠 Comprehension Questions

Johnson worked on his dictionary for _________ years.

💭 Discussion Questions