Roots, Prefixes and
Suffixes
Words are interesting! A limited vocabulary keeps you
from expressing your real thoughts and feelings.
A strong vocabulary gives you the right words to use at
the right time.
Why study vocabulary:
• Vocabulary is a basic part of reading comprehension.
The content of textbooks is often challenging. If you
don't know enough words, you are going to have
trouble understanding what you read. An
occasional word may not stop you, but if there are
too many words you don't know, comprehension will suffer.
• Vocabulary is a major part of almost every standardized test, including
reading achievement tests, college entrance exams, and armed forces and
vocational placement tests. Vocabulary is a key measure of both one's
learning and one's ability to learn. The more words you know, then, the
better you are likely to do on such important tests.
• Studies have indicated that students with strong vocabularies are more
successful in school and that a good vocabulary is an influential factor for
people who enjoy successful careers in life. Words are the tools of better
writing, speaking, and listening. The more words you have at your
command, the more effective your communication will be, and the more
influence you can have on the people around you.
• In today's world, a good vocabulary counts more than ever. Many jobs
provide services or process information, and the skills of reading, writing,
listening, and speaking are essential.
What are roots, prefixes and
suffixes?
• A root is the basic element of a word, and it is the foundation
on which the meaning of a word is built.
• A prefix is a letter or group of letters attached to the
beginning of a word that changes the word's meaning.
• A suffix is a letter or group of letters attached to the end of a
word that changes the word's meaning.
Why study roots, suffixes and
prefixes?
Knowing how to break down a word into it’s parts, and
identify each part, will help you figure out words you
don’t know as you are reading.
• This means that as you read text, take tests, and listen to
speakers, you will be able to understand better and make
stronger connections.
They will be on your final exam for this class!!
Packet Instructions:
• The first line gives you the root,
prefix or suffix you will be working with,
and it’s meaning.
• The next line is space to do two things –
1. Create a mnemonic device for each word part. A
mnemonic device is a trick you use to help you remember the
definition of the word. Your mnemonic device can be:
a. a drawing
b. a sentence: I was absent from school
c. a rhyme: I tried to kiss the boy but I missed!
d. an acronym: High Yield Produces Extra Resources
Packet Instructions cont…
• 2. Come up with three –four examples of words that utilize that
particular root, prefix or suffix – words you know the meaning of.
They must be REAL words!!
For example: for ab – absent, abnormal, abstract,
You can use ANY words, as long as you are being mature and not
overly graphic
YOU SHOULD NOT USE WORDS OR DEVICES THAT DON’T HAVE A
CONNECTION BETWEEN THE WORD AND THE MEANING!!
For example: Biology starts with bi, but bi is not the prefix of the
word, bio is, so just because the word starts with those letters,
doesn’t make it a good example.