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Primary English · Year 6Chapter 4 · The statutory word list, part 2, roots and prefixes
Year 6 · Chapter 4

The statutory word list, part 2, roots and prefixes

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Spell the words 51 to 100 of the word list, using their meanings and double letters
  • Add a prefix to a root word, and say how the meaning changes
  • Make verbs ending in -ate, -ise and -ify, dropping a final e or y when needed
  • Use a root word and its family to work out the spelling and meaning of a new word
  • Read a dictionary entry, and use it to check spelling, meaning and pronunciation

You should already know

  • The word list, words 1 to 50 (Chapter 3 of this book)
  • Root words, suffixes and word families (Chapter 2 of this book)

Where this leads

  • Relative clauses and expanded noun phrases (Chapter 5 of this book)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 2 English, Year 6. Content: Spell words 51 to 100 of the Year 5-6 statutory word list, in list order (Y5-6 spelling), Spell words with the prefixes dis-, de-, mis-, over- and re-, and say what each prefix does to the meaning (Y5-6 spelling), Make verbs with the endings -ate, -ise and -ify from nouns and adjectives (Y5-6 spelling), Use the root of a word, and its family, to read and spell a new word (Y5-6 spelling), Use a dictionary to check the spelling, meaning, pronunciation and origin of a word (Y5-6 spelling).

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWrite the word from the list that means the opposite of happy, with the prefix un-. Write the word only.
2
FWrite the plural of the noun day. Write the word only.
3
FWhich letter is doubled in accommodate? Write the letters in order, separated by a comma.
4
FWrite the word that means a book that gives the meanings of words. Write the word only.
5
FWrite the word that means the joint between the arm and the body. Write the word only.
4.1

Word list words 51 to 66, from identity to occur

Year 6
Spell words 51 to 66 of the Year 5-6 statutory word list, in list order (Y5-6 spelling)
Video lesson: Word list words 51 to 66, from identity to occurComing soon
Story. Priya is helping at the community centre. The leaders say that everyone has a right to leisure time, and that the queue for the lunch club must be kept orderly, so that no one is unfairly left out.

Words 51 to 66 include words with silent letters, double letters and tricky endings. Learn each one with its meaning. For example, neighbour and marvellous have a letter pattern that must be learned.

Words 51 to 66

No.WordMeaning
51identitywho or what a person is
52immediatelyat once, without any delay
53individuala single person or thing, considered on its own
54interfereto get involved in something that is not your business
55interruptto break into a conversation or an activity
56languagethe words used by a people or a country
57leisurefree time for enjoyment
58lightninga bright flash of electricity in a storm
59marvellousextremely good, wonderful
60mischievousplayful, and likely to cause small trouble
61muscletissue that makes a part of the body move
62necessaryneeded, or must be done
63neighboursomeone who lives next door or nearby
64nuisancesomething or someone that annoys
65occupyto fill a space, or to live in a place
66occurto happen

Key ideas

  • Learn each word with its meaning, and check every double letter.
  • Words such as necessary and marvellous have patterns to notice.
  • Write the word from memory, then check it against the list.
Worked example 4.1.1
Write the word from the list that means a line of people waiting.

Method. Use the meaning, then check the spelling.

  1. Use the meaning. A line of people waiting is a queue.
    a line of people
  2. Check the spelling. Queue ends in -ue, and the u is the last letter before e.
    queue
  3. Write the word. Queue is spelt q, u, e, u, e.
    queue
  4. Write the answer.
    queue

Check. queue has the meaning given. ✓

Worked example 4.1.2
Which spelling is correct: necessary or neccesary?

Method. Count the double letters.

  1. Say the letters. Necessary has one c and two s letters.
    n e c e s s a r y
  2. Compare the spellings. Neccesary has two cs, but the word needs one c, so it is wrong.
    necessary
  3. Write the word. Necessary means needed, or must be done.
    necessary
  4. Write the answer.
    necessary

Check. necessary has one c and two s letters. ✓

Worked example 4.1.3
Write the word from the list that means a chance to do something.

Method. Use the meaning, then check the letters.

  1. Use the meaning. A chance to do something is an opportunity.
    a chance
  2. Check the letters. Opportunity has pp and a -ity ending.
    opportunity
  3. Write the word. Opportunity is spelt with pp in the middle.
    opportunity
  4. Write the answer.
    opportunity

Check. opportunity has pp. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: neighbour has the letters ei and ou. Learn the pattern with the word.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to write five words from this section from memory, then to check them. Ask them to say which one they got wrong, and why.

Exercise 4A  Practice: words 51 to 66

1
FWrite the word from the list that means: who or what a person is.
2
FWrite the word from the list that means: to get involved in something that is not your business.
3
FWrite the word from the list that means: free time for enjoyment.
4
FWrite the word from the list that means: extremely good, wonderful.
5
FWrite the word from the list that means: playful, and likely to cause small trouble.
6
FWrite the word from the list that means: needed, or must be done.
7
FWrite the word from the list that means: someone who lives next door or nearby.
8
FWrite the word from the list that means: to happen.
9
PSWhich spelling is correct? Choose one: marvelous or marvellous.
10
PSWhich spelling is correct? Choose one: mussle or muscle.
11
FWhich letters are doubled in interrupt? Write the letter only.
12
PSWrite one sentence about a school club that uses the word leisure correctly.
13
FWrite the word from the list that means someone who lives next door or nearby.
14
FWrite the word from the list that means an annoying person or thing.
15
PSCorrect the spelling in this sentence: The lightening lit up the sky over the hills.
16
FWrite the word from the list that means to happen.
17
RExplain in one sentence why mischievous is a word that needs care when spelt.
18
FWrite the word from the list that means a bright flash of electricity in a storm.
19
FWrite the word from the list that means who or what a person is.
20
RExplain why occupy and occur are spelt differently, in one or two sentences.
4.2

Word list words 67 to 83, from opportunity to rhythm

Year 6
Spell words 67 to 83 of the Year 5-6 statutory word list, in list order (Y5-6 spelling)
Video lesson: Word list words 67 to 83, from opportunity to rhythmComing soon
Story. The school library is putting on a poetry evening. The teacher says that a rhyme and a rhythm are both needed in a good poem, and that every pupil has an opportunity to read aloud.

Words 67 to 83 include words with the letters rh, words with a silent p, and words with double letters. Use the meaning of each word, then check its letters in order.

Words 67 to 83

No.WordMeaning
83opportunitya chance to do something
84parliamentthe group that makes the laws of a country
85persuadeto make someone agree or do something
86physicalrelating to the body
87prejudicean unfair opinion formed without knowing the facts
88privilegea special right or advantage
89professiona job that needs special training
90programmea planned series of events, or a television show
91pronunciationthe way a word is said
92queuea line of people waiting
93recogniseto know who or what someone or something is
94recommendto suggest something as good
95relevantconnected with the subject or the situation
96restauranta place where meals are bought and eaten
97rhymewords that end with the same sound
98rhythma regular pattern of beats
99sacrificegiving up something for a greater purpose

Key ideas

  • Words beginning with rh, such as rhyme and rhythm, are learned from the list.
  • The letter p in pronunciation is written but is not said.
  • Check the double letters, such as the rr in recognise.
Worked example 4.2.1
Write the word from the list that means a regular pattern of beats.

Method. Use the meaning, then check the first letters.

  1. Use the meaning. A regular pattern of beats is a rhythm.
    a regular pattern
  2. Check the first letters. Rhythm begins with rh, and the y is in the middle.
    rhythm
  3. Write the word. Rhythm is spelt r, h, y, t, h, m.
    rhythm
  4. Write the answer.
    rhythm

Check. rhythm begins with rh. ✓

Worked example 4.2.2
Which spelling is correct: pronounciation or pronunciation?

Method. Say the parts, and check each one in the spelling.

  1. Say the parts. Pro-nun-ci-a-tion: the word has nun, not noun.
    pro-nun-ci-a-tion
  2. Compare the spellings. Pronounciation has an extra o, so it is wrong.
    pronunciation
  3. Write the word. Pronunciation is the way a word is said.
    pronunciation
  4. Write the answer.
    pronunciation

Check. pronunciation has no extra o. ✓

Worked example 4.2.3
Write the word from the list that means a person who deals with letters and records in an office.

Method. Use the meaning, then check the ending.

  1. Use the meaning. A person who deals with letters and records in an office is a secretary.
    a person in an office
  2. Check the ending. Secretary ends in -ary.
    secret-ary
  3. Write the word. Secretary is spelt with -ary at the end.
    secretary
  4. Write the answer.
    secretary

Check. secretary ends in -ary. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: secretary is spelt with ary, and secret is a different word. Check the ending before you write it.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to clap the beats of a rhythm, then to say the word rhythm. Ask them to write the word and to check its letters.

Exercise 4B  Practice: words 67 to 83

1
FWrite the word from the list that means: a chance to do something.
2
FWrite the word from the list that means: relating to the body.
3
FWrite the word from the list that means: a special right or advantage.
4
FWrite the word from the list that means: the way a word is said.
5
FWrite the word from the list that means: to know who or what someone or something is.
6
FWrite the word from the list that means: connected with the subject or the situation.
7
FWrite the word from the list that means: words that end with the same sound.
8
FWrite the word from the list that means: giving up something for a greater purpose.
9
PSWhich spelling is correct? Choose one: pronounciation or pronunciation.
10
PSWhich spelling is correct? Choose one: recognize or recognise.
11
RWhich letter is written but not said in pronunciation? Write the letter in the word that is silent, if one is.
12
PSWrite one sentence about a poem that uses the word rhyme correctly.
13
FWrite the word from the list that means to put forward an idea.
14
FWrite the word from the list that means a person's name written in their own style.
15
FWrite the word from the list that means honest, and meaning what you say.
16
PSCorrect the spelling in this sentence: The restaurent serves a sufficent meal.
17
FWrite the word from the list that means enough.
18
FWrite the word from the list that means a member of an army.
19
RExplain in one sentence why the word restaurant can be hard to spell.
20
FWrite the word from the list that means the part of the body where food is digested.
4.3

Word list words 84 to 100, from sacrifice to weird

Year 6
Spell words 84 to 100 of the Year 5-6 statutory word list, in list order (Y5-6 spelling)
Video lesson: Word list words 84 to 100, from sacrifice to weirdComing soon
Story. The head teacher wrote a thorough report about the school trip. She says the group had to make a sacrifice to save the money, and that the weather was weird, but the temperature was pleasant all day.

Words 84 to 100 are the last words of the list in this chapter. Some are long, some have silent letters, and some have tricky endings. Use the meaning of each word, then check its letters.

Words 84 to 100

No.WordMeaning
117secretarya person who deals with letters and records in an office
118shoulderthe joint between the arm and the body
119signaturea person's name written in their own style
120sincerehonest, and meaning what you say
121soldiera member of an army
122stomachthe part of the body where food is digested
123sufficientenough
124suggestto put forward an idea
125symbola sign that stands for something else
126systema set of parts that work together
127temperaturehow hot or cold something is
128thoroughcareful and complete
129thoughtan idea, or the past tense of think
130throughfrom one side of something to the other
131variousseveral different kinds
132weighthow heavy something is
133weirdstrange and odd

Key ideas

  • Learn each word with its meaning.
  • Check the double letters, such as the tt in thought.
  • Some words, such as through and thought, have a silent gh.
Worked example 4.3.1
Write the word from the list that means how hot or cold something is.

Method. Use the meaning, then check the spelling.

  1. Use the meaning. How hot or cold something is, is its temperature.
    how hot or cold
  2. Check the letters. Temperature has the ending -ure.
    temperat-ure
  3. Write the word. Temperature is spelt with -ure at the end.
    temperature
  4. Write the answer.
    temperature

Check. temperature ends in -ure. ✓

Worked example 4.3.2
Which spelling is correct: thorough or thorogh?

Method. Check the letters, including the ough ending.

  1. Say the letters. Thorough has ough at the end.
    thor-ough
  2. Compare the spellings. Thorogh leaves out the u, so it is wrong.
    thorough
  3. Write the word. Thorough means careful and complete.
    thorough
  4. Write the answer.
    thorough

Check. thorough has ough at the end. ✓

Worked example 4.3.3
Write the word from the list that means a planned series of events, or a television show.

Method. Use the meaning, then check the spelling.

  1. Use the meaning. A planned series of events, or a television show, is a programme.
    a planned series
  2. Check the letters. Programme is spelt with -gramme at the end in UK English.
    programme
  3. Write the word. Programme has the letters p, r, o, g, r, a, m, m, e.
    programme
  4. Write the answer.
    programme

Check. programme has mm, as in UK English. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: weird is spelt with ei, not ie. Learn it with the other words that have ei.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Choose three words from this section, and ask your child to write each one in a sentence of their own.

Exercise 4C  Practice: words 84 to 100

1
FWrite the word from the list that means: a person who deals with letters and records in an office.
2
FWrite the word from the list that means: honest, and meaning what you say.
3
FWrite the word from the list that means: to put forward an idea.
4
FWrite the word from the list that means: a set of parts that work together.
5
FWrite the word from the list that means: careful and complete.
6
FWrite the word from the list that means: from one side of something to the other.
7
FWrite the word from the list that means: how heavy something is.
8
FWrite the word from the list that means: strange and odd.
9
PSWhich spelling is correct? Choose one: wierd or weird.
10
PSWhich spelling is correct? Choose one: thougt or thought.
11
RWrite the word from the list that means the surroundings of a place, and is not in this section. Write the word only.
12
PSWrite one sentence about a trip that uses the word various correctly.
13
FWrite the word from the list that means to break into a conversation or an activity.
14
FWrite the word from the list that means the joint between the arm and the body, and say whether it has a silent letter. Write the word only.
15
PSCorrect the spelling in this sentence: The temperture fell below zero.
16
FWrite the word from the list that means giving up something for a greater purpose.
17
FWrite the word from the list that means a system of parts that work together.
18
RExplain why through and thought are both hard to spell, in one or two sentences.
4.4

Prefixes: dis-, de-, mis-, over- and re-

Year 6
Spell words with the prefixes dis-, de-, mis-, over- and re-, and say what each prefix does to the meaning (Y5-6 spelling)
Video lesson: Prefixes: dis-, de-, mis-, over- and re-Coming soon
Story. The class is making a poster about the school garden. The poster says that the frost will defrost the path, and that the gardeners must rewrite the list, because some words were misspelt and some plants were overwatered.

A prefix is a group of letters at the start of a word. It changes the meaning of the root word, but the root word is spelt the same. The prefix dis- means not, de- means reverse or remove, mis- means wrongly, over- means too much, and re- means again.

Prefixes and their meanings

PrefixWhat it doesExampleMeaning of the example
dis-not, or the opposite ofdisagreeto have a different opinion
dis-not, or the opposite ofdisobeyto refuse to do what you are told
de-reverse or removedefrostto remove the ice from something
de-reverse or removedecodeto change a coded message back into words
mis-wrongly or badlymisspellto spell a word wrongly
mis-wrongly or badlymisleadto give someone the wrong idea
over-too muchovercookto cook for too long
over-too muchoverflowto flow beyond the edge of a container
re-againrewriteto write something again, in a new way
re-againreheatto heat something again

Key ideas

  • A prefix goes at the front of a root word.
  • The root word is spelt the same way when the prefix is added.
  • Each prefix changes the meaning in a predictable way.
Worked example 4.4.1
Add the prefix re- to the word write. Write the new word.

Method. Put the prefix at the front, and check the meaning.

  1. Find the root word. The root word is write.
    write
  2. Add the prefix. Re- means again, so put it at the front: re + write.
    re + write
  3. Check the meaning. Rewrite means to write something again, in a new way.
    rewrite
  4. Write the answer.
    rewrite

Check. re + write = rewrite. ✓

Worked example 4.4.2
Add the prefix mis- to the word spell. Write the new word.

Method. Put the prefix at the front, and check the meaning.

  1. Find the root word. The root word is spell.
    spell
  2. Add the prefix. Mis- means wrongly, so put it at the front: mis + spell.
    mis + spell
  3. Check the meaning. Misspell means to spell a word wrongly.
    misspell
  4. Write the answer.
    misspell

Check. mis + spell = misspell. ✓

Worked example 4.4.3
What does the prefix dis- mean in the word disagree?

Method. Look at the prefix and the root word.

  1. Find the prefix. The prefix is dis-.
    dis-
  2. Find the root word. The root word is agree.
    agree
  3. Check the meaning. Disagree means to have the opposite opinion, so dis- means not or the opposite of.
    not, or the opposite of
  4. Write the answer.
    not, or the opposite of

Check. dis- means not, or the opposite of. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: disagree keeps the letters of agree. Do not change the root word when you add a prefix.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to add a prefix to five root words from home, such as cook, spell or heat, and to say what each new word means.

Exercise 4D  Practice: prefixes

1
FAdd the prefix dis- to the word agree. Write the new word.
2
FAdd the prefix dis- to the word obey. Write the new word.
3
FAdd the prefix de- to the word frost. Write the new word.
4
FAdd the prefix de- to the word code. Write the new word.
5
FAdd the prefix mis- to the word spell. Write the new word.
6
FAdd the prefix mis- to the word lead. Write the new word.
7
PSWrite the word made with the prefix over- that means to flow beyond the edge of a container.
8
RWhat does the prefix mis- do to the meaning of lead? Use the word mislead in your answer.
9
FWrite the word made with the prefix dis- that means to have a different opinion. Write the word only.
10
PSCheck the spelling in this sentence: The cook will reheat the soup, and then overcook the rice. Are any words spelt wrongly? Answer yes or no.
11
FWrite the word made with the prefix de- that means to remove the ice from something.
12
FWrite the word made with the prefix re- that means to heat something again.
13
RExplain in one sentence what the prefix dis- does to the word obey.
14
FWrite the word made with the prefix mis- that means to give someone the wrong idea.
15
PSWrite one sentence that uses rewrite correctly, about a story.
16
FWrite the word made with the prefix dis- that means to refuse to do what you are told.
4.5

Verbs with -ate, -ise and -ify, made from nouns and adjectives

Year 6
Make verbs with the endings -ate, -ise and -ify from nouns and adjectives (Y5-6 spelling)
Video lesson: Verbs with -ate, -ise and -ify, made from nouns and adjectivesComing soon
Story. The sports club wants to modernise its website, and it plans to computerise the bookings. The coach says that a purified water bottle will help the team, and that the club must classify the results.

Many verbs are made from nouns and adjectives. The endings are -ate, -ise and -ify. Some words drop a final letter before the ending. Active becomes activate when the e is dropped. Beauty becomes beautify when the y is dropped.

Verbs made from nouns and adjectives

VerbMade fromWorkingMeaning
activateactivedrop the e of active, then add -ate: activ + ateto make something start working
normalisenormaladd -ise: normal + iseto make something return to normal
classifyclassadd -ify: class + ifyto put things into groups
modernisemodernadd -ise: modern + iseto make something more up to date
beautifybeautydrop the y of beauty, then add -ify: beaut + ifyto make something more beautiful
purifypuredrop the e of pure, then add -ify: pur + ifyto make something clean and free from harmful things
computerisecomputeradd -ise: computer + iseto change something to use computers
memorisememorydrop the y of memory, then add -ise: memor + iseto learn something so you can remember it

Key ideas

  • The verb endings are -ate, -ise and -ify.
  • Drop a final e or y from the base word, when the working says so.
  • Learn which ending goes with each base word.
Worked example 4.5.1
Write the verb made from active, which means to make something start working.

Method. Drop the e, then add -ate.

  1. Find the base word. Active ends in e.
    active
  2. Drop the e and add -ate. Drop the e: activ, then add ate.
    activ + ate
  3. Write the verb. Activate means to make something start working.
    activate
  4. Write the answer.
    activate

Check. active - e + ate = activate. ✓

Worked example 4.5.2
Write the verb made from normal, which means to make something return to normal.

Method. Add -ise to the base word.

  1. Find the base word. Normal is the adjective.
    normal
  2. Add the ending. Add -ise: normal + ise.
    normal + ise
  3. Write the verb. Normalise means to make something return to normal.
    normalise
  4. Write the answer.
    normalise

Check. normal + ise = normalise. ✓

Worked example 4.5.3
Write the verb made from beauty, which means to make something more beautiful.

Method. Drop the y, then add -ify.

  1. Find the base word. Beauty ends in y.
    beauty
  2. Drop the y and add -ify. Drop the y: beaut, then add ify.
    beaut + ify
  3. Write the verb. Beautify means to make something more beautiful.
    beautify
  4. Write the answer.
    beautify

Check. beauty - y + ify = beautify. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: beautify and beauty are different words. Drop the y from beauty, but keep the t, before adding -ify.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to make a verb from the word computer, then to say whether the ending is -ise or -ify.

Exercise 4E  Practice: verbs with -ate, -ise and -ify

1
FWrite the verb made from the word active that means: to make something start working.
2
FWrite the verb made from the word normal that means: to make something return to normal.
3
FWrite the verb made from the word class that means: to put things into groups.
4
FWrite the verb made from the word modern that means: to make something more up to date.
5
FWrite the verb made from the word beauty that means: to make something more beautiful.
6
FWrite the verb made from the word pure that means: to make something clean and free from harmful things.
7
FWrite the verb made from the word computer that means: to change something to use computers.
8
FWrite the verb made from the word memory that means: to learn something so you can remember it.
9
PSWrite the verb made from class that means to put things into groups. Write the word only.
10
RWhich ending would you use to make a verb from modern: -ate, -ise or -ify? Explain your answer.
11
PSCorrect the spelling in this sentence: The club will activat the new system next week.
12
FWrite the verb made from pure that means to make something clean and free from harmful things. Write the word only.
13
FWrite the verb made from memory that means to learn something so you can remember it. Write the word only.
14
FWrite the verb made from computer that means to change something to use computers. Write the word only.
15
RExplain in one sentence why purify loses its e, but beautify loses its y.
16
FWrite the verb made from active, using the ending -ate. Write the word only.
17
FWrite the verb made from normal, which means to make something return to normal. Write the word only.
4.6

Roots, word families and the dictionary

Year 6
Use the root of a word, and its family, to read and spell a new word (Y5-6 spelling), Use a dictionary to check the spelling, meaning, pronunciation and origin of a word (Y5-6 spelling)
Video lesson: Roots, word families and the dictionaryComing soon
Story. Sam is reading about the history of a museum. He finds the word spectator in a book and does not know what it means, so he looks at its root, and then checks the word in a dictionary.

A root is the part of a word that carries its main meaning. The root port means carry, so transport means to carry people or goods from one place to another. Words with the same root form a word family.

A dictionary gives the spelling, the meaning, the pronunciation and, sometimes, the origin of a word. Use the entry to check each part before you use the word.

Roots and their families

RootMeaning of the rootWordMeaning of the word
portcarrytransportto carry people or goods from one place to another
portcarryportableable to be carried easily
spectlook or seeinspectto look at something closely
spectlook or seespectatora person who watches an event
graphwrite or drawautographa person's own signature
graphwrite or drawphotographa picture made with light
audhearaudibleable to be heard
audhearaudiencepeople who listen or watch
telefar awaytelephonea device for speaking to someone far away
telefar awaytelevisiona device that shows pictures from far away

Three steps for an unknown word

1Find the root, and say what it means.

2Use the root meaning and any prefix or suffix to work out the meaning.

3Check the spelling, meaning and pronunciation in a dictionary.

Key ideas

  • A root carries the main meaning of a word.
  • Words in the same family share a root.
  • A dictionary entry checks the spelling, meaning, pronunciation and origin.
Worked example 4.6.1
The root spect means look or see. What does inspect mean?

Method. Use the root meaning, then add the prefix in-.

  1. Find the root meaning. The root spect means look or see.
    look or see
  2. Add the prefix. In- means into, so inspect means to look into or at something closely.
    look closely
  3. Write the meaning. Inspect means to look at something closely.
    to look at something closely
  4. Write the answer.
    to look at something closely

Check. inspect has the root spect. ✓

Worked example 4.6.2
The root port means carry. What does portable mean?

Method. Use the root meaning, then the ending -able.

  1. Find the root meaning. The root port means carry.
    carry
  2. Add the ending. Portable means able to be carried, from port plus -able.
    port + able
  3. Write the meaning. Portable means able to be carried easily.
    able to be carried easily
  4. Write the answer.
    able to be carried easily

Check. portable has the root port. ✓

Worked example 4.6.3
Use a dictionary entry: telephone (noun): a device for speaking to someone far away. Which root does it contain?

Method. Look at the start of the word.

  1. Look at the start. Telephone begins with tele.
    tele
  2. Check the meaning. Tele means far away, so the word is about speaking far away.
    far away
  3. Write the root. The root is tele.
    tele
  4. Write the answer.
    tele

Check. telephone has the root tele. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a root does not always show the whole meaning of a word. Check the dictionary when the meaning is unclear.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Choose one root from this section, such as aud (hear), and ask your child to find two other words with the same root.

Exercise 4F  Practice: roots, families and the dictionary

1
FThe root port means carry. Which word from this family means: to carry people or goods from one place to another? Write the word.
2
FThe root port means carry. Which word from this family means: able to be carried easily? Write the word.
3
FThe root spect means look or see. Which word from this family means: to look at something closely? Write the word.
4
FThe root spect means look or see. Which word from this family means: a person who watches an event? Write the word.
5
FThe root graph means write or draw. Which word from this family means: a person's own signature? Write the word.
6
FThe root graph means write or draw. Which word from this family means: a picture made with light? Write the word.
7
PSThe root aud means hear. Which word means able to be heard? Write the word only.
8
RThe root graph means write or draw. What does autograph mean?
9
RUse the root spect to explain what a spectator is, in one sentence.
10
RLook at the dictionary entry: pronunciation (noun): the way a word is said. What does the entry tell you about the word?
11
RName three things a dictionary entry can check for you, about a word.
12
PSWrite the word made from the root tele, which means far away, and that is a device that shows pictures. Write the word only.
13
FWrite the root word of transport, and say what it means. Write the root word only.
14
FWrite the word from the root spect, which means to look at something closely. Write the word only.
15
RExplain in one or two sentences how the root port helps you work out the meaning of portable.
16
FWrite the word made from the root aud, which means people who listen or watch. Write the word only.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Word list 51 to 100Learn each word with its meaning, and check its double letters and silent letters.
Prefix dis-Means not, or the opposite of: disagree, disobey.
Prefix de-Means reverse or remove: defrost, decode.
Prefix mis-Means wrongly: misspell, mislead.
Prefix over-Means too much: overcook, overflow.
Prefix re-Means again: rewrite, reheat.
-ate, -ise, -ifyVerbs made from nouns and adjectives. Drop a final e or y when the working says so.
RootThe part of a word that carries its main meaning: port, spect, aud, graph, tele.
DictionaryUse an entry to check the spelling, meaning, pronunciation and origin of a word.

Can you…?

  • I can spell words 51 to 100 of the word list, using their meanings
  • I can add the prefixes dis-, de-, mis-, over- and re-, and say what each one does
  • I can make verbs ending in -ate, -ise and -ify, dropping a final e or y when needed
  • I can use a root word and its family to work out a new word
  • I can use a dictionary to check the spelling, meaning, pronunciation and origin of a word

Key terms

prefix
a group of letters added to the front of a root word to change its meaning
root
the part of a word that carries its main meaning
word family
words that share the same root, such as port, transport and portable
etymology
the origin and history of a word, which a dictionary may give
morphology
the study of how words are built from roots, prefixes and suffixes
pronunciation
the way a word is said, which a dictionary shows
verb
a word that shows an action or a state, such as activate or classify

Exercise 4Z  Check-up

1
Write the word from the list that means: needed, or must be done.
2
Write the word from the list that means: the group that makes the laws of a country.
3
Write the word from the list that means: how heavy something is.
4
Which spelling is correct? Choose one: pronounciation or pronunciation.
5
Add the prefix re- to the word heat. Write the new word.
6
Add the prefix mis- to the word spell. Write the new word.
7
Write the verb made from the word modern that means: to make something more up to date.
8
Write the verb made from the word memory that means: to learn something so you can remember it.
9
The root spect means look or see. Which word from this family means: to look at something closely? Write the word.
10
Explain in one sentence what a root word is, and give one example from this chapter.

Total 15 marks. Allow about 15 minutes.

Exercise 4X  Practice test questions

1
FWrite the word from the list that means a line of people waiting. Write the word only.[1 mark]
2
FWrite the word from the list that means the part of the body where food is digested. Write the word only.[1 mark]
3
FAdd the prefix de- to the word frost, which means to remove the ice. Write the new word only.[1 mark]
4
PSWrite the verb made from the adjective pure, which means to make something clean. Write the word only.[1 mark]
5
PSCorrect the two spelling mistakes in this sentence: The sufficent team had a marvellous day, and the restarant was full.[2 marks]
6
RUse the root tele, which means far away, to explain what television means. Use one sentence.[2 marks]
7
PSWrite one sentence that uses the word rhythm correctly, about music. Use a capital letter and a full stop.[3 marks]
8
RExplain how the prefix mis- changes the word spell, in one sentence.[2 marks]
9
FWrite the verb made from the noun class, which means to put things into groups. Write the word only.[1 mark]
10
FWrite the word that means a bright flash of electricity in a storm. Write the word only.[1 mark]
← Chapter 3: Silent letters and the statutory word list, part 1Chapter 5: Relative clauses and expanded noun phrases →

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