Which of the following best describes Encyclopedia Britannica?

• A. Textbook encyclopedia
• B. Atlas
• C. General encyclopedia
• D. Dictionary

Answer: (C)

Encyclopedia Britannica is a broad reference source meant for general knowledge, so it fits the category of a general encyclopedia. It provides in-depth articles on a wide range of topics for a general audience, with cross-references and reliable information, rather than being tied to a specific curriculum or course.

It isn’t a textbook encyclopedia, which would be organized around a classroom curriculum with lessons and exercises. It isn’t an atlas, which focuses on maps and geographic data. And it isn’t a dictionary, which centers on word definitions, spellings, and usage. Britannica covers many subjects in article form, making it a general encyclopedia.