ETYMOLOGY FOR ENGLISH- LESSON 1
READING
Often, we go through language ability gradations quite quickly; other times, if
the learning gradient is high, improvement stops. How can we reach the next
level?
Traditionalists may prefer to do what they always do- stay in a classroom and
keep studying textbooks. However, studying overseas is also a popular option.
Millions of students journey overseas every year to learn languages. However, a
sojourn in another country, even just for a short time, can be difficult. You may
be surprised at the non-conformist styles of many people in the new countrythey dress, act, and speak much differently than others. You may also be shocked
to see that many teachers don't mind if students contradict them in class- they
even encourage students to disagree with them! Challenging what a teacher says
is often considered good, because it means you are paying attention in class and
actively thinking. Another surprise may be the casual relationships between
some teachers and their students. Occasionally, after class adjourns, teachers
and their classes will even go out to have a beer together! By working in concert
with their students, like study partners, teachers try to help students learn as
much as possible.
One thing to be careful of is perfidious overseas study agencies and language
schools, many of which only want to make money. They sometimes mislead, lie
to, or steal from customers. Overseas language study is a big industry, and some
businesses do bad things to make money. Check on-line and with people you
trust that the agencies and schools you deal with are bona fide, and not just
going to take your money. Also be careful about with your confidential
information, like your credit card number and citizen ID card.
With the right preparation, your trip to learn a language in another country can
be fun and educational.
INFER FROM CONTEXT
Using context from the reading, what does "gradation" probably mean?
a) finish
b) ability
c) problem
d) level
Using context from the reading, what is a "traditionalist"?
a) the old way to do something
b) an old thing that people do
c) a person who does things the old way
d) an old way of studying
Using context from the reading, what is a "sojourn"?
a) time away from home
b) air travel
c) culture shock
d) life
Using context from the reading, what is a "non-conformist"?
a) a person who is not comfortable
b) a person who does not act like others
c) a strange thing
d) something that shocks you
Using context from the reading, what does "contradict" mean?
a) be a good student
b) say something opposite
c) stay focused
d) ask a question
Using context from the reading, what does "adjourn" mean?
a) start
b) end
c) be in the middle
d) have a good time
Using context from the reading, what does "in concert with" mean?
a) as a leader to
b) as a follower to
c) without helping
d) together with
Using context from the reading, what does "perfidious" mean?
a) trustable
b) helpful
c) not trustable
d) not helpful
Using context from the reading, what does "bona fide" mean?
a) fun
b) expensive
c) real
d) popular
Using context from the reading, what does "confidential" mean?
a) card
b) secret
c) brave
d) powerful
AFFIXES
graduate
educate
journalist
-ate/cate
communicate
artist
-ist
motivate
Circle the part of speech of all these words:
pianist
tourist
What do you think this suffix means?
noun / verb / adjective / adverb
________________________________________________
What are other words that use this suffix?
What are other words that use this suffix?
________________________________________________
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community
society
-ity/-ety
university
communicate
co-operate
con-/com-/co-
reality
Circle the part of speech of all these words:
noun / verb / adjective / adverb
connect
combination
What do you think this prefix means?
_________________________________________________
What are other words that use this suffix?
What are other words that use this prefix?
________________________________________________
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achievement
accomplishment
conflict
-ment
judgement
contradict
con-/contra-
treatment
Circle the part of speech of all these words:
noun / verb / adjective / adverb
contrary
contrast
What do you think this prefix means?
__________________________________________________
What are other words that use this suffix?
What are other words that use this prefix?
_______________________________________________
__________________________________________________
ROOTS
confidence
fidelity
fid
infidel
fiduciary
→ “belief”, “trust”
Which word do you think means, "Cheating on one's wife or husband?"
a) co-fidelity
b) infidelity
c) fidelist
d) confidential
grade
graduate
grad
gradual
gradient
→ “level”
Which word do you think means, "Improve?"
a) retrograde
b) centigrade
c) gradually
d) upgrade
journal
adjourn
jour
sojourn
→ “day”
*The French Connection*
Have you heard the French word, "Bonjour"? 'Jour' is the
French word for 'day', and it comes from Latin.
journey
Which word do you think means, "Person who writes for a newspaper?"
a) journalist
b) journalism
c) journeyman
d) journalment
TRANSFER MEANING
Use the vocabulary from the word box to fill in the spaces in the questions below.
gradual
journalism
concocted
confide
contrast
novelist
Haruki Murakami is the famous ______________________________ who wrote the books
Norwegian Wood, 1Q84, and Kafka on the Shore.
You will not suddenly learn how to swim very well all at once. Your progress will
be ______________________, as you improve a little bit every week.
It is not easy to get into the field of ____________________________, but if you would like
to write for a newspaper or magazine every day, you should try your best.
The bartender _____________________ a delicious mojito by mixing together some
rum, lime juice, mint, sugar, soda water, and ice.
My sister is the only person I can ______________________ in. She is the only person I
share my secrets with, because she is the only person I trust 100%.
There is a strong ______________________ between Richard and his brother. Richard is
really outgoing and happy, but his brother is shy and always looks depressed.
THINK & DISCUSS
Discuss the following three questions with your partner or partners. During your
discussion, try to use some words that have Latin roots we have studied.
*Hints are under each discussion question.
1. Do you have a confidant? If yes, who? If no, why not?
(confidential, confident, confide)
2. Who did you have a conflict with recently? What was it about?
(contrast/contrary, contradict, controversy)
3. Would you rather be a florist, a dentist, or an activist?
(any other words with -ist)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Write a paragraph answering the following question:
What do you think is the best way to contact someone?
(For example: phone call, text message, Facebook, in person, etc.)
Write 5-10 sentences. Use contact and other words with Latin roots, such as
communicate, co-ordinate, and convene.
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