Vocabulary Assessments
Greek and Latin Word Roots
Description Children correctly identify the meaning of Greek and Latin roots by looking at a list of words that
include each root.
You Need u
Greek and Latin Word Roots I and II sheets
u Greek and Latin Word Roots Assessment—Class Record form
Why Use It Many words in the English language include roots that are either Greek or Latin. This assessment
is designed to show you whether children understand the meanings of common Greek and
Latin roots. Knowledge of these roots will help students improve their vocabulary and apply their
knowledge to understanding the meanings of less-familiar words.
How to Use It u
Administer this assessment individually or as a whole class. Begin with the Greek and Latin
Roots I sheet. If students are more advanced, you can move to Greek and Latin Roots II.
u Ask the child to read the list of words that goes with each Greek or Latin root and think about
what the words have in common.
u On the blank line, have the child write the meaning of the root.
u Keep the sheet as the child’s individual record. Record the results on the Class Record.
W hat to Notice u
Words the child can read and understand
u Child’s ability to identify what words in each list have in common
© 2008 by Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. This page may be photocopied.
u Roots that the child knows
u Roots that the child almost knows
Vocabulary Assessments
332 Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System 2
Vocabulary Assessments
Greek and Latin Word Roots I
1.What does the Latin root -ped- mean in these words? pedal, pedestrian, pedestal, biped
______________________________________________
2.What does the Greek root –mon- mean in these words? monocle, monarch, monochromatic, monogram
______________________________________________
3.What does the Greek root -phon- mean in these words? phonograph, symphony, telephone, phonics, saxophone
______________________________________________
4.What does the Latin root -vis- mean in these words? vision, revise, visible, visit
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
6.What does the Greek root -therm- mean in these words? thermometer, thermal, thermostat, thermos
Vocabulary Assessments
© 2008 by Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. This page may be photocopied.
5.What does the Latin root -port- mean in these words? portable, transport, import, export
______________________________________________
Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System 2
333
Vocabulary Assessments
Greek and Latin Word Roots II
1.What does the Latin root -ject- mean in these words? project, inject, projectile, reject
______________________________________________
2.What does the Greek root -chron- mean in these words? chronological, synchronize, chronicle, chronic
______________________________________________
3.What does the Latin root -terr- mean in these words? terrestrial, territory, terrain, terrace
______________________________________________
4.What does the Greek root -phil- mean in these words? philosophy, philanthropist, philharmonic, bibliophile
5.What does the Greek root -phob- mean in these words? claustrophobia, xenophobic, aquaphobia, arachnophobia
______________________________________________
Vocabulary Assessments
6.What does the Latin root -duct- mean in these words? conduct, viaduct, abduct, aqueduct
______________________________________________
334 Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System 2
© 2008 by Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. This page may be photocopied.
______________________________________________
© 2008 by Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. This page may be photocopied.
Vocabulary Assessments
Name
Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System 2
-duct- (lead)
-phob- (fear)
-phil- (love)
-terr- (land, earth)
-chron- (time)
-ject- (throw)
-therm- (heat)
-port- (carry)
-vis- (see)
-phon- (sound)
-mon- (one, alone)
-ped- (foot)
Vocabulary Assessments
Greek and Latin Word Roots I and II—Class Record
335