How to Use an Encyclopedia Index
Typically, in any reference book such as an encyclopedia, you will find the table of contents at the beginning of the book and the index at the back of the book. The index is usually in alphabetical order and it lists the names and topics mentioned in the book. Beside the topic, it will list the number of the page where that particular topic can be found, which is called the entry.
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Instructions
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Choose a subject to look up in the index. If you want to look up the word "oxymoron," for example, you should first understand the meaning of the word. If necessary, refer to a print dictionary or online dictionary. Oxymoron means a figure of speech that seems to be self-contradictory. Some examples of an oxymoron are "cruel kindness" or "making haste slowly."
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Go to the index section of a print or online encyclopedia and look up the word, "oxymoron," by finding the "O" section which lists all the topics starting with the letter "O". Go down the list alphabetically until you come to the word "oxymoron" or "oxymoron examples." You could also try looking up oxymoron - deliberate use of oxymoron, and oxymoron - examples of perceived oxymoron, language, contradiction, inconsistency, English usage, or figure of speech.
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Read the index entries. Under "oxymoron--deliberate use of oxymoron," you will find direct quotes from well-known writers such as John Donne who penned, "O miserable abundance, O beggarly riches!"
The entry will list a page number in the encyclopedia to direct you to the full quote.
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If a direct quote using an oxymoron wasn't exactly what you were looking for, experiment by looking up different phrases in the index. For example, if you look up, "oxymoron--examples of perceived oxymoron," you will find an entry that explains how a perceived oxymoron differs from a true oxymoron.
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Once you have found an entry in the index that provides the information you are seeking, go the page in the encyclopedia that is listed to read more about oxymorons or whatever topic you have chosen.
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References
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