1
7th Grade Root Words
Interactive notebooks will be used to maintain all root word information throughout the year.
Introduction to word parts: Divide and Conquer
Introduce the concept of word parts with meaning by using the word export.
Break the word apart visually using a sentence strip and explain that im- means in, and port means
carry. Give students a minute to turn and talk to guess the word meaning, then come together as a
class to write a definition as suggested by the root meanings.
Hand out a Root Word Bank and have students glue it to the right side of the notebook
Prefixes
Bases
Suffixes
Root
cone-, exinpreprotranscur, curs, cour, cours
dict
grad, gress
leg, lig, lect
pon, pos, posit
pyro
scrib, script
-phobia
-ate
Meaning
with, together
out
in, on, into
before
forward
across, change
run, go
say, tell, speak
step, go
pick, choose, read
put, place
fire
write
fear of
to make or do
On the left page, students will analyze 10 words and create meaning.
Word
Prefix means
Base means
1. expose
___________
__________
2. inscribe
___________
__________
3. transpose
___________
__________
4. prescribe
___________
__________
5. predict
___________
__________
6. concur
___________
__________
7. elect
___________
__________
8. progress
___________
__________
9. pyrophobia
___________
__________
10. dictate
___________
__________
Word means
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
Come back together as a class and review the exercise together to ensure understanding of roots
operating as prefix, suffix, and base.
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Unit I (concentrate on one prefix set per lesson / week)
Prefixes:
Ante- (before)
Post- (after)
Ob- (up against, in the way)
Ambi-, Amphi (around, on both sides)
Contra-, contro-, counter-, anti-, ant- (against, opposite)
Divide and Conquer
Word
Prefix means
Base means
Word means
1. postscript
2. postdate
3. antecedent
4. antebellum
5. postbellum
6. posthumous
7. posterity
8. antiquity
9. postpone
10 ante meridien
__________
_____ _____
___________
___________
___________
___________
___________
___________
___________
___________
script-write
date=date
ced=go
bellum=war
bellum=war
hum=burial in earth
_____X_____
______X____
pone=put, place
meridiem=midday
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
Create a word map (form follows) for each root including:
 Root
 Root meaning
 A picture representing the root
 Five NEW words using the root
 A sentence that correctly uses at least two of those words
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Vocabulary Mapping – Root Words
What does it mean?
Words that use this
root:
Picture
Sentence using two words:_____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
4
Sure Word Forest
Using the following pattern, students will create a tree to be mounted in the hall. A new
tree will appear every week.
Place “leaves” on the tree with
words that use this root.
(Students may add new words
as the year progresses.)
meaning
root
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6
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Unit I – Lesson 3
7th Grade
Your root word for this week is the prefix ob-, which mean “up against, in the way.”
Divide and conquer the meaning of the following words:
Word
obstruct
prefix means
in the way
base means
struct = build
offend
fend = strike
obstacle
stay = stand
opponent
pon= put or place
opposite
posit = put or place
offer
fer = bring or bear
observe
serv = keep watch
objection
ject = throw
obnoxious
nox = harm
occurrence
cur = run, go
Step 2:
Create a word map for each root including:
 Root
 Root meaning
 A picture representing the root
 Five NEW words using the root
 A sentence that correctly uses at least two of those words
Step 3:
Add a new “tree” to Sure Word Forest.
word means
to build in the way
of something
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Unit I – Lesson 4
7th Grade
Your root word for this week is the prefixes ambi- and amphi-, which both mean
“around, on both sides.” Divide and conquer the meaning of the following words:
Word
amphibian
prefix means
base means
bio = live, life
ambidextrous
dextr = right hand
ambition
(i)t = go
ambivalent
val = be strong
amphitheater
theater = theater,
watch
ambiguous
(i)gu = drive
amphibious
bio = live, life
ambidexterity
dext = right hand
ambience
(i)t = go
ambiguity
(i)gu = drive
Step 2:
Create a word map for each root including:
 Root
 Root meaning
 A picture representing the root
 Five NEW words using the root
 A sentence that correctly uses at least two of those words
Step 3:
Add a new “tree” to Sure Word Forest.
word means
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Unit I – Lesson 5
7th Grade
Your root words for this week is the prefixes contra-, contro-, counter-, anti-, and antwhich all mean “against, opposite.” Divide and conquer the meaning of the following
words:
Word
contradict
prefix means
against
base means
dict = speak
antipathy
path= feeling
counteract
act = act
controversy
vers = turn
antibiotic
bio = life
counterfeit
feit = make
contraband
(to) counter
ban = decree,
prohibit
X
antomym
onym = word, name
antiseptic
sept = infection
Step 2:
Create a word map for each root including:
 Root
 Root meaning
 A picture representing the root
 Five NEW words using the root
 A sentence that correctly uses at least two of those words
Step 3:
Add a new “tree” to Sure Word Forest.
word means
so speak against a
point
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Grade 7 Unit I Review
Sorting Words
Directions: Sometimes contra-, contro-, counter- mean “against” and
sometimes they don’t. Put these words in the chart where they belong. You
may use a dictionary to help you.
Word Bank
contraband
counterfeit
contrite
contract
contraption
counterpart
control
contrary
controller
counteract
means “against”
contrast
does not mean “against”
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Sorting Words (KEY)
Directions: Sometimes contra-, contro-, counter- mean “against” and
sometimes they don’t. Put these words in the chart where they belong. You
may use a dictionary to help you.
contraband
counterfeit
contrite
contract
contraption
counterpart
control
contrary
controller
counteract
contrast
means “against”
does not mean “against”
contraband
contrast
contrary
counteract
counterfeit
contrite
contract
contraption
counterpart
control
controller
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Wordo
This game is like Bingo. Choose one box and create a free space. Then write the words
your teacher gives you, putting one word in each box. As your teacher gives you
meanings, cover the correct box with a marker. When you get four words in a row,
diagonally, horizontally, or vertically, call out, “Wordo.”
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Word list for Unit I:
Postscript
Obstruct
Contradict
Ambidextrous
Antebellum
Opponent
Antibiotic
Ambiguous
Antiquity
Objection
Antonym
Amphitheater
Postpone
Obnoxious
Antiseptic
Wordo
a message added on to a letter after the writer’s signature
to get in the way of or hide
to express the opposite of a statement made by another
able to use both hands with equal ability
the period of time before a war
one who is against another; an enemy
a substance that can destroy or fight against an infection
open to more than one meaning; doubtful or uncertain
ancient times or people from ancient times
the act of opposing or arguing against
a word which means the opposite of another word
a theater that has seats in an oval around an open area; arena
to put of until later
very annoying or offensive
capable of preventing or fighting against infection
Bonus question: Think again about what the word “antebellum” means. Using this
information and your knowledge of prefixes, what does “postbellum” mean?
Can also be used as a ticket out the door.
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Writing Assignment
Using at least _________ words from our unit of study, write an editorial aimed at
convincing your principal to take steps to fight against the latest virus that is making its
rounds in the school. Make sure you include suggestions for ways we can all help
prevent the spread of this dreaded disease!
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Unit II – Lesson 6
7th Grade
Your root words for this week are the bases roots mit and miss, meaning “send.” Divide
and conquer the meaning of the following words. An X means the word does not have a
prefix:
Word
missle
prefix means
X
base means
send
word means
a bomb sent in war
emit
permit
transmitter
missionary
X
intermittent
promise
submissive
commit
emissions
Step 2:
Complete the Magic Square activity that focuses on the root words mit and miss.
Step 3:
Add a new “tree” to Sure Word Forest.
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Magic Square
Directions: To be completed after Divide and Conquer. Select the best definition for
each of the words from the mit/miss family. Put the number for the definition in the
proper space in the Magic Square box. If the numbers going up and down and the
numbers going across all add up to the same sum, you’ve found the magic number!
On the back of this sheet, correctly use at least five words in 2-3 sentences.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
Words
missile
emit
permit
transmitter
missionary
intermittent
promise
submissive
commit
Definitions
1. a vow; a declaration of intent
2. to allow something
3. one sent to do religious or charitable work
4. to send out matter or energy
5. a device that sends out a signal
6. to bind or obligate as by a pledge
7. stopping and starting at intervals
8. inclined to surrender to another
9. an object that is projected at a target
Magic Square Box
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
MAGIC NUMBER ________
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Magic Square
Directions: To be completed after Divide and Conquer. Select the best definition for
each of the words from the mit/miss family. Put the number for the definition in the
proper space in the Magic Square box. If the numbers going up and down and the
numbers going across all add up to the same sum, you’ve found the magic number!
On the back of this sheet, correctly use at least five words in 2-3 sentences.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
Words
missile
emit
permit
transmitter
missionary
intermittent
promise
submissive
commit
Definitions
1. a vow; a declaration of intent
2. to allow something
3. one sent to do religious or charitable work
4. to send out matter or energy
5. a device that sends out a signal
6. to bind or obligate as by a pledge
7. stopping and starting at intervals
8. inclined to surrender to another
9. an object that is projected at a target
Magic Square Box
A
B
7
D
C
3
E
2
G
F
4
H
6
5
9
I
8
MAGIC NUMBER ___15_____
1
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Unit II – Lesson 7
7th Grade
Your root words for this week are the Latin bases cred and credit, which mean “believe.”
Divide and conquer the meaning of the following words. An X means that the word does
not have a prefix.
Word
incredible
prefix means
not
base means
believe
word means
something that is
hard to believe
discredit
accredited
base means
suffix means
credible
creditor
credentials
creed
credence
credulous
credit
Step 2:
Create a word spoke using this base word. (see form on next page)
Step 3:
Add a new “tree” to Sure Word Forest.
word means
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Word Spoke
1. Look back at your “Divide and Conquer” work. Choose the word from the list
that best fits the illustration in the Word Spoke above.
2. Pick one of the words and write two synonyms.
3. Pick one of the words and write two antonyms.
4. Pick one of the words and write your own definition.
5. Pick one of the words and use it in a creative sentence.
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Word Spoke (KEY)
creditor
or credit
creed
incredible or
discredit
accredited
credentials
1. Look back at your “Divide and Conquer” work. Choose the word from the list
that best fits the illustration in the Word Spoke above.
2. Pick one of the words and write two synonyms.
3. Pick one of the words and write two antonyms.
4. Pick one of the words and write your own definition.
5. Pick one of the words and use it in a creative sentence.
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Unit II – Lesson 8
7th Grade
Your root words this week are the Latin bases ven, vent, which mean “come.” Divide
and conquer the meaning of the following words. An X means that the word does not
have a prefix.
Word
prefix means
base means
convent
inventor
contravene
intervene
adventure
prevention
event
covenant
reconvene
unconventional
Step 2:
3 X 3 Vocabulary Sentences. (See form on next page.)
Step 3:
Add a new “tree” to Sure Word Forest.
word means
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3 X 3 Vocabulary Sentences
Directions: Create ______ good sentences that use the words we have learned in this
lesson. Each sentence must include THREE words from the columns and rows.
convent
intervene
adventure
event
covenant
reconvene
unconventional
prevention
inventor
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Unit II – Lesson 9
7th Grade
Your root words this week are the Latin bases serve, servant which mean “save, keep,
serve.” Divide and conquer the meaning of the following words. Hint: word number 10
has two prefixes.
Word
reserve
prefix means
again
base means
save
conserve
servile
preserves
conservation
subservient
reservoir
observatory
servitude
unreserved
Step 2:
Complete “Putting It All Together.” (See the following page.)
Step 3:
Add a new “tree” to Sure Word Forest.
word means
save something for
yourself again
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Putting It All Together!
Directions: Work with a partner to make as many serv, servat words as possible with
these prefixes. Make sure the words relate to the meaning “save, keep, serve.” You may
use a dictionary to help you.
obreprecon-
Make up a story about starting up your own restaurant that uses at least _____ words
from you list. Be sure to use proper usage and punctuation. Please highlight or underline
the words in your writing. If you have extra time, illustrate your masterpiece.
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Unit II – Lesson 10
7th Grade
Your root words this week are the Latin bases pel, puls, peal, which mean “drive, push.”
Divide and conquer the meaning of the following words. An X means the word does not
have a prefix.
Word
propeller
prefix means
through
base means
push
word means
a device to push a
plane through the air
appeal
repellent
expelled
pulse
X
repulsive
impulsive
compulsive
pulsating
X
expulsion
Note: Sometimes the prefix “com” means “very.” For example, sometimes I have a
compulsion to eat chocolate. I am “very driven” to take a bite.
Step 2:
Complete cartoons to illustrate four words. (See next page.)
Step 3:
Add a new “tree” to Sure Word Forest.
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Compelled to Draw!
Directions: Choose four words from this week’s lesson and illustrate them in the
following boxes. Your illustrations must be neat, colorful, and clearly show the word
meaning. Please be sure to use all of the space in each box.
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Unit II – Review
7th Grade
Root Riddles
Read the clues that follow; then choose the word that best fits the clues as given
1. I am a noun.
I am used to send messages from one location to another
I contain the base mit.
I have three syllables.
_________________________________
2. I am an adjective.
People I describe give in easily to others.
I contain the base miss.
I also have three syllables.
_________________________________
3. I am an adjective.
I am very hard to believe.
I contain the base cred.
I have four syllables.
_________________________________
4. I am a noun.
If you know me, you “owe” me.
I contain the base cred.
I have three syllables.
_________________________________
5. I am a verb.
I mean “to come between.”
I contain the base ven.
I have three syllables.
_________________________________
6. I am an adjective.
I mean unusual or outside the ordinary.
I contain the base vent.
I have five syllables!
_________________________________
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7. I am a noun.
I am the act of saving something as it is.
I contain the root serv.
But I only have four syllables.
_________________________________
8. I am a noun.
The Wright brothers needed me to take off at Kitty Hawk.
I contain the root pel.
I only have three syllables.
_________________________________
9. I am a noun.
I am what you save for later use.
I contain the root serv.
I have two syllables.
_________________________________
10. I am an adjective.
Those who see what I describe often say, “YUCK!”.
I contain the root puls.
I have three syllables.
_________________________________
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Key – Root Riddles
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
transmitter
submissive
incredible
creditor
intervene
unconventional
conservation
propeller
reserve
repulsive
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Wordo
This game is like Bingo. Choose one box and create a free space. Then write the words
your teacher gives you, putting one word in each box. As your teacher gives you
meanings, cover the correct box with a marker. When you get four words in a row,
diagonally, horizontally, or vertically, call out, “Wordo.”
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Word list for Unit I: Wordo
Emit
Intermittent
Emissions
Discredit
Credentials
Creed
Inventor
Adventure
Prevention
Subservient
Reservoir
Unreserved
Expelled
Impulsive
Pulsating
to give or send out matter or energy
stopping and starting at intervals
a substance that is discharged into the air
to damage in reputation
evidence of one’s rights or authority
a formal statement of religious belief
one who produces something for the first time
an unusual or exciting experience
the act of keeping something from happening
working below another who has more authority
a pond or lake used for storage of water
not held back; open in manner
forced out
motivated to act without thinking first
beating rhythmically
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Writing Assignment
Using at least _________ words from our unit of study, write an “I AM” poem about
ONE word that is a noun. See if your classmates can guess what you are!
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Unit III – Lesson 11
7th Grade
Your root words this week are the Latin bases vert, vers, which mean “turn, change.”
Divide and conquer the meaning of the following words. An X means the word does not
have a prefix.
Word
convertible
prefix means
with
reverse
vertical
X
controversial
versatile
X
advertisement
conversation
diverse
conversation
irreversible
Step 2:
Complete the Word Matrix (See next page.)
Step 3:
Add a new “tree” to Sure Word Forest.
base means
change
word means
a car that can be changed
by lowering the roof
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Word Matrix
Directions: Work with a partner to complete the matrix. Some boxes may have more
than one word. Others may be blank. Check your work with a dictionary AFTER you
complete the matrix.
vert
vers
version
consubinredi-
Write an account of a student who changes his mind OFTEN using at least four words
from the matrix.