4. Read the text and then write the correct form of the word in capitals to complete the gaps. The first is done.

There are three common Boolean operators: AND, OR, NOT. OR is used to join synonymous or 1) related terms, and instructs the search tool to retrieve any record that 2)………..either (or both) of the terms, thus 3) ………..your search results. The OR operator is particularly useful when you are unsure of the words used to categorize your topic or if 4) ………..on your topic is even available. AND is used to join words or phrases when both (or all) the terms must appear in the items you 5) ………... This search query would return a much smaller set of records, and the items found would be more specific to your research question. NOT is used to exclude a particular word or 6) ………..of words from your search results. If you are retrieving many records that are unrelated to your topic, try 7)……….. the NOT operator to eliminate a word. It is also possible to perform complex Boolean searches in which more than one Boolean Operator is used. To do this, enclose the terms 8) ……….. with OR within parentheses.

1. TO RELATE

2. TO CONTAIN

3. TO BROADEN

4. TO INFORM

5. TO RETRIEVE

6. TO COMBINE

7. TO USE

8. TO CONNECT

If...

Then...

Your topic is broad.

Go to a directory to browse subject categories. You may find subjects that will lead you to the name you want.

You know what you want but can’t think of the name for it.

Go to a directory site. Choose a subject category that matches your topic. Then narrow your topic by browsing the sub-categories.

You need to come up with a topic.

Enter your keywords in quotation marks to make sure you get the whole name and not just one part of it.

Your topic is narrow.

Browse the subject categories in a directory, selecting subcategories until you find a topic that seems just right.

Your topic is narrow and a proper noun.

Enter only the root of the word followed by an asterisk. The asterisk acts like a “wild card” telling the search engine to find any words with that root.

Your topic is narrow and an exact phrase.

Enter your phrase in quotation marks to make sure you get the whole phrase.

You want to search for all the keywords related to a single root.

Go to a search service known for its huge index of sites or a meta-search engine that will submit your search to many search engines at once. Enter your keywords into the search tool.

You want to look for pictures (images).

You want to ask a question in a full sentence.

You want to get the widest variety of websites, and use the most popular search engine.

You want a second opinion on what is out there.

You don’t mind advertising on the main page.

You don’t like advertising on the main page.

You want to use all the search engines at the same time.

You want to find nothing when you search.

You want to search for music or other sounds.