Questions: Word Parts: Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots

Question 1

Using word parts, what does 'reusable' most likely mean?

• A. Not able to be used
• B. Able to be used again
• C. Used before
• D. Full of uses

Answer: (B)

The word breaks into re- (again) + use + -able (able to be). Put together, 'reusable' means able to be used again, as in a reusable water bottle.

Question 2

In which word is 'un' a prefix?

• A. uncle
• B. under
• C. unfair
• D. unit

Answer: (C)

In 'unfair,' removing un- leaves the real word 'fair,' and un- adds the meaning 'not.' In 'uncle,' 'under,' and 'unit,' the letters u-n are just part of the word; taking them off does not leave a base word with a related meaning.

Question 3

The Greek root 'graph' means 'write' or 'draw.' This root appears in the words 'autograph' and 'paragraph.'

• T. True
• F. False

Answer: True

Graph comes from Greek and relates to writing or drawing. An autograph is a person's own written signature, and a paragraph is a written unit of text. Other family members include photograph and biography.

Question 4

A student reads 'The bridge was indestructible.' Explain how word parts can help the student figure out the meaning.

Model answer: The word breaks into in- (not) + destruct (from the Latin root struct, build, with de- meaning undo) + -ible (able to be). So 'indestructible' means not able to be destroyed. The sentence about a bridge fits that meaning.

Students do not need to know every part perfectly. Recognizing in- as 'not,' 'destruct' as related to 'destroy,' and -ible as 'able to be' is enough to build a meaning, which the sentence then confirms.