Finding the correct vocabulary

Question

Suggestions please, for the best way to find the vocabulary given at the start of each writing exercise and dictée. I use the WordReference app and the unabridged Collins Robert dictionary, but frequently find that phrases in particular are difficult or impossible to find, which makes the vocab list unhelpful. Thanks.

Accepted Answer

Hi Marilyn,
I understand your frustration as expressions, phrases and idioms are often hard to find in a dictionary.
Personally speaking, I have used a Collins Robert and it has seldom let me down over a forty year career as a linguist for general language. Mine might be larger than yours but I  still prefer it to a lot of online resources including its own online version.
Using it correctly is a skill which is not often taught and is something you often learn 'on the job' ( 'sur le tas' in French) 
Interestingly enough, I did a google search for the phrase, 'sur le tas' and found lots of pages with the correct answer so it might be a good idea to broaden the resources you normally use ...
The list of vocabulary is meant to highlight the various words and expressions you will encounter in the exercise and that you would not necessarily know. It is there to help you out. Finding their meaning can be laborious but not time wasted in my opinion...

Answer

Tthanks Cécile. I use the complete unabridged book version of the dictionary, but will try a more general search for some phrases. I try to check all the given vocabulary if I can, but am finding B2 phrases in particular more of a challenge to track down. I'll keep looking!