No need, with these back-to-school tips from "Webster's New World College Dictionary" (Wiley, $26.95 with CD-ROM).

• Speed dial. Check the guide words in large bold type at the top of the page. They show the first entry word and the last entry word on the page. Use them to decide quickly if the word you want falls alphabetically on that page.

• The French have a word for it. Distinguish words and phrases that are borrowed from other languages. The dictionary prints them in italic type. Do likewise in your own writing.

• Don't lose your way. The full-color world maps are located after page 1,012.

• And don't lose your key. Remember where the pronunciation key is located. "Webster's New World" puts it conveniently inside the front cover.

• Capital ideas. Short definitions printed in Small Capital Letters are cross-references. Go to the entry for that word to find your information.

• In other words. Look for the gray boxes that discuss the fine differences between common synonyms. You'll learn as you look it up.

• Finally. The back of the book has 43 pages of outstanding reference material.

You can find "Webster's New World College Dictionary" in bookstores or at www.wiley.com.

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