Year 9 · Chapter 9
Word origins, semantic change and spelling from word families
By the end of this chapter you will be able to
- I can name the language a word came from, using clues in its form or meaning.
- I can explain how a word's meaning has changed over time.
- I can recognise a new Greek or Latin root and spell words from it.
- I can use a prefix or suffix to work out a word's meaning and spelling.
- I can spell a word family correctly in my own writing.
- I can choose the right homophone for a sentence.
You should already know
- Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes (Year 7, Chapter 9 of this book)
- Etymology and vocabulary choice (Year 8, Chapter 9 of this book)
Where this leads
- Writing narrative: extended, controlled and crafted (Year 9, Chapter 10 of this book)
- Writing to argue and evaluate: rebuttal and qualified claims (Year 9, Chapter 11 of this book)
National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 3 English, Year 9. Content: Trace English words to Old English, Old Norse, Latin, Greek and French origins (KS3 vocabulary, G6), Explain semantic change: amelioration, pejoration and narrowing, with dated examples (KS3 vocabulary, G6), Spell words from Greek and Latin roots not used in Years 7 and 8, and from prefixes, suffixes and word families (KS3 spelling, SP1), Choose between homophones and near-homophones, and spell word families accurately in writing (KS3 spelling, SP1 and W5).
Exercise P Do you remember?
1
FWhat is a prefix? Write one short phrase.
a group of letters added to the start of a word
Method. A prefix goes at the start of a word.
- Think about the position. A prefix is placed before the root word.before the root word
- Write the definition. Letters added to the start of a word form a prefix.a group of letters added to the start of a word
- Write the answer. a group of letters added to the start of a word
Check. A prefix goes at the start. ✓
2
FWhat does the prefix un- usually mean? Write one word.
not
Method. Un- is a negative prefix.
- Look at an example. Unhappy means not happy.not happy
- Name the meaning. The prefix un- means not.not
- Write the answer. not
Check. un- means not. ✓
3
FWhat is a root word? Write one short phrase.
the main part of a word, to which prefixes and suffixes are added
Method. The root carries the main meaning.
- Think about the word. The root is the part that carries the main meaning.carries the main meaning
- Write the definition. The main part of a word, to which affixes are added, is the root.the main part of a word
- Write the answer. the main part of a word, to which prefixes and suffixes are added
Check. The root is the main part. ✓
4
FWrite the word that means a word's history and origin. Write one word.
etymology
Method. Etymology is the study of word origins.
- Think about the meaning. The history of a word is its etymology.the history of a word
- Name the word. The word is etymology.etymology
- Write the answer. etymology
Check. Etymology is word history. ✓
5
FWrite the plural of the word thesis.
theses
Method. Some words from Greek keep a Greek plural.
- Look at the word. Thesis is a Greek word ending in -is.thesis
- Form the plural. The plural of thesis is theses.theses
- Write the answer. theses
Check. theses is the plural of thesis. ✓
9.1
Where English words come from
Video lesson: Where English words come fromComing soon
Context. English has borrowed words for centuries. Its core words for everyday things often come from Old English, the language spoken before about 1150. Words for science and learning often come from Greek and Latin, and words for food and cooking often come from French, after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
| Language | Example words | Clue |
|---|---|---|
| Old English | wife, earth, water | short, everyday words, many common nouns |
| Old Norse | egg, they, skin | common words from Viking settlers, often with a hard sound |
| Latin | companion, television, terrain | formal, many words from Roman times and later |
| Greek | biology, hydrant, chromatic | science words, often with -logy, hydro- or chromo- |
| French | café, bureau, chauffeur | food, fashion and manners; spelling often unusual |
Key ideas
- Old English gives the core of English: short, everyday words.
- Old Norse gave a few common words, such as egg, through contact with Viking settlers.
- Latin and Greek give learned and scientific words; French gave many words for food, law and fashion after 1066.
Worked example 9.1.1
Which language is the origin of "biology"?
Method. Look at the word parts and the meaning.
- Find the parts. Biology has bio- and -logy.bio
- Recall the meaning. Bios means life, and logos means study.life and study
- Name the language. The word comes from Greek.Greek, from bios (life) and logos (study)
- Write the answer. Greek, from bios (life) and logos (study)
Check. Bio and logy are Greek word parts. ✓
Worked example 9.1.2
Which language did "egg" come into English from? Choose one: Old Norse, Latin or French.
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Egg is a common word that came from the Vikings' language, Old Norse.Old Norse fits
- Reject the other choices. Latin would be a learned word, and French would be a food or fashion word, so neither fits egg.Latin and French do not fit
- Write the answer. Old Norse
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Worked example 9.1.3
Which language gave the word "café"?
Method. Look at the accent and the subject.
- Look at the form. Café has an accent, which is a clue to French.accent
- Look at the meaning. A café is a place to buy food and drink.food and drink
- Name the language. French gave us café.French
- Write the answer. French
Check. The accent and the meaning point to French. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a word can come into English from one language, and a related word from another. Check the form and the meaning, not just the first guess.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Look for a clue: a Greek or Latin word part, an accent, a short Old English word.
Exercise 9A Practice: where English words come from
1
FWhich language is the origin of "wife"? Choose one: Old English, Latin or French.
Old English
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Wife is a short, everyday word, which is typical of Old English.Old English fits
- Reject the other choices. Latin and French words are usually learned, formal or food-related.Latin and French do not fit
- Write the answer. Old English
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
2
FWhich language is the origin of "companion"? Choose one: Latin, Greek or Old Norse.
Latin
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Companion comes from Latin, from com- (with) and panis (bread), meaning someone you share bread with.Latin fits
- Reject the other choices. Greek and Old Norse are not the origin of companion.Greek and Old Norse do not fit
- Write the answer. Latin
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
3
FWhat do the Greek parts "hydro" and "chroma" mean? Write the meanings in one short phrase.
water and colour
Method. Recall the Greek roots in hydrant and chromatic.
- Find the words. Hydro comes from hydor, and chroma comes from chroma.hydro and chroma
- Give the meanings. Hydro means water and chroma means colour.water and colour
- Write the answer. water and colour
Check. Water and colour. ✓
4
FWhich word came into English from French? Choose one: bureau, egg or biology.
bureau
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Bureau is a French word, meaning a desk or office.bureau fits
- Reject the other choices. Egg is from Old Norse, and biology is from Greek.egg and biology do not fit
- Write the answer. bureau
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
5
FWhich language gave the word "egg"? Write the language name.
Old Norse
Method. Look at the common word and its origin.
- Find the origin. Egg came into English through Viking settlers.Viking
- Name the language. The language is Old Norse.Old Norse
- Write the answer. Old Norse
Check. Old Norse. ✓
6
FExplain the clue that tells you "chauffeur" is from French.
Accept any answer that names the French ending -eur or the unusual spelling, and links it to French. For example: The word has an unusual spelling with -eur, which is a French ending, and it is a word for a driver.
Method. Look at the ending and the spelling.
- Find the clue. The -eur ending is French.-eur
- Link it. So the word is from French.from French
- Write the answer. The word has an unusual spelling with -eur, which is a French ending, and it is a word for a driver.
Check. The clue is named. ✓
7
FWhich word is most likely from Latin rather than Old English? Choose one: terrain, earth or water.
terrain
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Terrain is a learned, formal word, from Latin terra (land).terrain fits
- Reject the other choices. Earth and water are short, everyday Old English words.earth and water do not fit
- Write the answer. terrain
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
8
FWhich Greek root means life? Write the root.
bio
Method. Think about biology.
- Find the word. Biology has the root bio.biology
- Name the root. Bio means life.bio
- Write the answer. bio
Check. Bio means life. ✓
9
FWhich word is most likely from Old Norse? Choose one: egg, television or bureau.
egg
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Egg is a common word from Old Norse.egg fits
- Reject the other choices. Television is Greek and Latin, and bureau is French.television and bureau do not fit
- Write the answer. egg
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
10
RExplain why a learned word such as "terrain" is more likely to come from Latin than a basic word such as "earth".
Accept any answer that explains that learned words tend to come from Latin or Greek, while basic words came from Old English. For example: Learned words for science and geography often came from Latin, while basic everyday words were in English from Old English.
Method. Compare the type of word and its origin.
- Name the learned word. Terrain is a learned, formal word.learned
- Name the basic word. Earth is an old, everyday word.everyday
- Write the answer. Learned words for science and geography often came from Latin, while basic everyday words were in English from Old English.
Check. The pattern is explained. ✓
11
PSName one word from Greek and one from French, and give a clue for each.
Accept any answer that names one Greek word with a clue and one French word with a clue. For example: Biology is Greek, with the -logy ending; café is French, with the accent.
Method. Choose two words, then say what clue shows each origin.
- Greek. Biology has -logy, meaning study.-logy
- French. Café has an accent.accent
- Write the answer. Biology is Greek, with the -logy ending; café is French, with the accent.
Check. Both words and clues are given. ✓
12
FWhich word is from Old English? Choose one: earth, biology or terrain.
earth
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Earth is a short, basic word from Old English.earth fits
- Reject the other choices. Biology is from Greek, and terrain is from Latin.biology and terrain do not fit
- Write the answer. earth
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
13
RExplain one reason English has so many words from Latin and French.
Accept any answer that explains that Latin was the language of learning, and French brought words after 1066. For example: Latin was the language of learning, and French was spoken by the ruling class after 1066, so many learned and formal words came in.
Method. Think about who used each language.
- Latin. Latin was the language of learning.language of learning
- French. French was the language of rulers after 1066.after 1066
- Write the answer. Latin was the language of learning, and French was spoken by the ruling class after 1066, so many learned and formal words came in.
Check. The reasons are explained. ✓
9.2
Semantic change: how word meanings shift
Video lesson: Semantic change: how word meanings shiftComing soon
Context. Words change meaning over time. A word may improve in meaning (amelioration), decline in meaning (pejoration), or narrow to a smaller meaning (narrowing). Each example below shows an old meaning and a new one, with a rough date for the change.
| Word | Earlier meaning | Later meaning | Type of change |
|---|---|---|---|
| nice | foolish or ignorant (from Latin nescius) | pleasant or kind | amelioration |
| silly | blessed or happy (Old English sælig) | foolish | pejoration |
| awful | full of awe or wonder | very bad | pejoration |
| villain | a farm servant (Latin villanus) | a wicked person | pejoration |
| knight | a boy or servant (Old English cniht) | a noble warrior | amelioration |
| meat | food of any kind (Old English mete) | the flesh of animals | narrowing |
Key ideas
- Amelioration: the meaning becomes more positive.
- Pejoration: the meaning becomes more negative.
- Narrowing: a word that once meant a wide range of things comes to mean one thing.
Worked example 9.2.1
Which type of change is "silly", from "blessed" to "foolish"?
Method. Compare the earlier meaning with the later one.
- Find the earlier meaning. Silly once meant blessed or happy.blessed or happy
- Find the later meaning. It now means foolish.foolish
- Name the change. The meaning became more negative, which is pejoration.pejoration
- Write the answer. pejoration
Check. The meaning became more negative. ✓
Worked example 9.2.2
Which type of change is "knight", from "a boy or servant" to "a noble warrior"? Choose one: amelioration, pejoration or narrowing.
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The meaning became more positive and more respected, so it improved.amelioration fits
- Reject the other choices. It did not become negative, and it did not narrow to a smaller range of things.pejoration and narrowing do not fit
- Write the answer. amelioration
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Worked example 9.2.3
Which type of change is "meat", from "food of any kind" to "the flesh of animals"?
Method. Ask whether the meaning got bigger, smaller, better or worse.
- Find the earlier meaning. Meat meant any food.food of any kind
- Find the later meaning. It now means the flesh of animals.the flesh of animals
- Name the change. The range became smaller, so the meaning narrowed.narrowing
- Write the answer. narrowing
Check. The range of meaning became smaller. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: semantic change is about meaning, not spelling. A word can keep its spelling for centuries while its meaning changes.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Name the earlier meaning, name the later meaning, then say whether it became better, worse or narrower.
Exercise 9B Practice: semantic change
1
FWhich word has undergone amelioration? Choose one: knight, villain or silly.
knight
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Knight changed from a boy or servant to a noble warrior, a more positive meaning.knight fits
- Reject the other choices. Villain and silly both became more negative.villain and silly do not fit
- Write the answer. knight
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
2
FWhich word has undergone pejoration? Choose one: awful, nice or knight.
awful
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Awful changed from full of awe to very bad, a more negative meaning.awful fits
- Reject the other choices. Nice and knight both became more positive.nice and knight do not fit
- Write the answer. awful
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
3
FWhat was the earlier meaning of "nice"? Write one phrase.
foolish or ignorant
Method. Look at the earlier meaning in the table.
- Find the meaning. Nice came from the Latin nescius, meaning ignorant.ignorant
- Name it. Its earlier meaning was foolish or ignorant.foolish or ignorant
- Write the answer. foolish or ignorant
Check. Foolish or ignorant. ✓
4
FWhich type of change is "meat", from food to flesh? Choose one: narrowing, amelioration or pejoration.
narrowing
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The meaning narrowed from all food to only flesh.narrowing fits
- Reject the other choices. The meaning did not become better or worse, so the other two do not fit.amelioration and pejoration do not fit
- Write the answer. narrowing
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
5
FWhat was the earlier meaning of "villain"? Write one phrase.
a farm servant
Method. Look at the Latin origin.
- Find the Latin. Villain comes from Latin villanus.villanus
- Name the meaning. It meant a farm servant.a farm servant
- Write the answer. a farm servant
Check. A farm servant. ✓
6
FExplain why "silly" is an example of pejoration.
Accept any answer that explains that silly changed from a positive meaning to a negative one, using both meanings. For example: It changed from meaning blessed or happy to meaning foolish, so the meaning became more negative.
Method. Compare the earlier and the later meaning.
- Earlier. It meant blessed or happy.blessed or happy
- Later. It came to mean foolish.foolish
- Write the answer. It changed from meaning blessed or happy to meaning foolish, so the meaning became more negative.
Check. The change is explained. ✓
7
FExplain why "knight" is an example of amelioration.
Accept any answer that explains that knight rose from a servant to a noble warrior, a more positive meaning. For example: It changed from a boy or a servant to a noble warrior, which is a more positive and respected meaning.
Method. Compare the status of the earlier and later meanings.
- Earlier. It meant a boy or servant.a boy or servant
- Later. It means a noble warrior.noble warrior
- Write the answer. It changed from a boy or a servant to a noble warrior, which is a more positive and respected meaning.
Check. The improvement is explained. ✓
8
FWhich word has narrowed in meaning? Choose one: girl, nice or awful.
girl
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Girl once meant a child of either sex, and now means a female child.girl fits
- Reject the other choices. Nice and awful changed in tone, not in range of meaning.nice and awful do not fit
- Write the answer. girl
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
9
RGive a word, not in the table, whose meaning has become more negative, and state its earlier meaning.
Accept any answer that names a word whose meaning became more negative, and gives its earlier meaning. For example: Accept any word whose meaning has become more negative, with its earlier meaning, for example cunning (earlier: skill or knowledge; now: sly or deceptive).
Method. Find a word whose meaning became more negative over time.
- Name the word. The word changed from a positive or neutral meaning to a negative one.negative
- Name the earlier meaning. Its earlier meaning was more neutral or positive.more neutral
- Write the answer. Accept any word whose meaning has become more negative, with its earlier meaning, for example cunning (earlier: skill or knowledge; now: sly or deceptive).
Check. The example is explained. ✓
10
RWhy might a word change its meaning over time?
Accept any answer that explains that use in new contexts can shift meaning in any direction. For example: People use words in new contexts, and the meaning shifts, sometimes becoming more positive, more negative or narrower.
Method. Think about how people use words.
- Context. People use words in new situations.new situations
- Shift. The meaning moves in some direction.some direction
- Write the answer. People use words in new contexts, and the meaning shifts, sometimes becoming more positive, more negative or narrower.
Check. The reason is explained. ✓
11
FWhat type of change is "girl", which once meant a child of either sex? Write the type.
narrowing
Method. Compare the earlier range of meaning with the later one.
- Find the earlier range. Girl once meant a child of either sex.either sex
- Find the later range. It now means a female child.a female child
- Name the change. The range became smaller, so it narrowed.narrowing
- Write the answer. narrowing
Check. The range became smaller. ✓
9.3
New Greek and Latin roots: meaning and spelling
Video lesson: New Greek and Latin roots: meaning and spellingComing soon
Context. A root carries the main meaning of a word. Once you know a root, you can work out several words at once, and spell them from one pattern. The roots in this section are new to this course.
| Root | Meaning and origin | Example words |
|---|---|---|
| chrom | colour (Greek chroma) | chromatic, chromosome, monochrome |
| hydr | water (Greek hydor) | hydrant, dehydrate, hydrogen |
| kinet | movement (Greek kinein) | kinetic, kinetics, kinesis |
| terr | earth or land (Latin terra) | terrain, terrace, territory |
| fract | break (Latin frangere) | fracture, fraction, refract |
| sequ | follow (Latin sequi) | sequence, consequence, subsequent |
| cept | take or receive (Latin capere) | accept, exception, receptive |
| vert | turn (Latin vertere) | convert, reverse, version |
| flu | flow (Latin fluere) | fluid, fluent, influence |
| cycl | circle or wheel (Greek kyklos) | cycle, bicycle, cyclone |
| orth | straight or correct (Greek orthos) | orthodox, orthography, orthopaedic |
Key ideas
- Learn the root first, then the word family: chrom (colour) gives chromatic and chromosome.
- Many roots change their spelling slightly: fract, fraction and fracture share the root.
- Spell the root the same way in every word; check the ending separately.
Worked example 9.3.1
Spell the word that means "relating to colour" from the root chrom.
Method. Use the root and the adjective ending -ic.
- Find the root. The root is chrom, meaning colour.chrom
- Add the ending. The adjective ending -atic is used in chromatic.chromatic
- Write the word. The word is chromatic.chromatic
- Write the answer. chromatic
Check. Chrom plus the ending gives chromatic. ✓
Worked example 9.3.2
Which word is spelled correctly from the root sequ, meaning follow? Choose one: consequence, consequense or concequence.
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Consequence keeps sequ and the -ence ending, and its meaning follows from the cause.consequence fits
- Reject the other choices. Consequense and concequence change the spelling of the root or the ending.consequense and concequence do not fit
- Write the answer. consequence
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Worked example 9.3.3
What does the root vert mean, and give one word from it?
Method. Think about what a conversion does.
- Find the root. Vert comes from Latin vertere, to turn.vert
- Find the word. Convert means to turn into something else.convert
- Give the answer. The root means turn, and convert is one word from it.turn; convert
- Write the answer. turn; convert
Check. The root and a word are given. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a root is not always a whole word. Terr means earth, but terrain and territory are the words that use it.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Find the root first. Then check the prefix and the ending, and spell the root in the same way every time.
Exercise 9C Practice: Greek and Latin roots
1
FWhich word means "a break in bone" and uses the root fract? Choose one: fracture, fracter or fractor.
fracture
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Fracture uses the root fract, meaning break, and the ending -ure.fracture fits
- Reject the other choices. Fracter and fractor are not standard words.fracter and fractor do not fit
- Write the answer. fracture
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
2
FWhich word from the root cycl means a bicycle? Write the word.
bicycle
Method. Bi means two, and cycl means wheel.
- Find the root. Cycl is the root meaning circle or wheel.cycl
- Write the word. A bicycle has two wheels.bicycle
- Write the answer. bicycle
Check. Bicycle. ✓
3
FWhich word from the root cept means "to receive"? Choose one: accept, accent or except.
accept
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Accept comes from capere (to take) and means to take or receive.accept fits
- Reject the other choices. Accent and except are different words with different meanings.accent and except do not fit
- Write the answer. accept
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
4
FWhich word from the root hydr means "a pipe or outlet for water"? Choose one: hydrant, hydrate or hydrogen.
hydrant
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. A hydrant is a water outlet, from hydor (water).hydrant fits
- Reject the other choices. Hydrate means to add water, and hydrogen is a gas.hydrate and hydrogen do not fit
- Write the answer. hydrant
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
5
FWrite the word from the root kinet that means relating to movement.
kinetic
Method. Kinet is the root for movement.
- Find the root. Kinet means movement.kinet
- Write the word. The adjective is kinetic.kinetic
- Write the answer. kinetic
Check. Kinetic. ✓
6
FWhich word from the root terr means "land or earth"? Choose one: terrain, terrible or terrier.
terrain
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Terrain is the land shape, from terra (earth or land).terrain fits
- Reject the other choices. Terrible and terrier are not from the root for earth.terrible and terrier do not fit
- Write the answer. terrain
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
7
FWrite the word from the root sequ that means the result of an action. Write one word.
consequence
Method. Look at the root sequ, meaning follow.
- Find the root. Sequ means follow.sequ
- Write the word. A consequence is what follows from an action.consequence
- Write the answer. consequence
Check. Consequence. ✓
8
FWhich word from the root flu means "a liquid"? Choose one: fluid, flute or flue.
fluid
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Fluid comes from fluere (to flow) and means something that flows.fluid fits
- Reject the other choices. Flute is a musical instrument, and flue is a chimney passage.flute and flue do not fit
- Write the answer. fluid
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
9
FWhich word means "straight or correct", from the root orth? Choose one: orthodox, orchestra or ordinary.
orthodox
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Orthodox comes from orthos (straight or correct) and doxa (opinion).orthodox fits
- Reject the other choices. Orchestra and ordinary are not from the root orth.orchestra and ordinary do not fit
- Write the answer. orthodox
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
10
FSpell the word that means the rules and system of spelling, using orth (correct) and the Year 7 root graph (writing).
Accept any answer that writes orthography, using orth (correct) and graph (writing). For example: orthography.
Method. Combine the roots, then check the spelling.
- Find the roots. Orth means correct and graph means writing.orth and graph
- Write the word. The word is orthography.orthography
- Write the answer. orthography.
Check. Orthography is spelled correctly. ✓
11
FWhich word has the root vert, meaning turn? Choose one: reverse, reverie or revert.
reverse
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Reverse comes from revertere, to turn back; it is spelled reverse.reverse fits
- Reject the other choices. Reverie and revert are not the spelling of the root vert in this meaning.reverie and revert do not fit
- Write the answer. reverse
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
12
RExplain what the root fract means, and give two words from it.
Accept any answer that gives the meaning break and two words such as fracture and fraction. For example: Fract means break; fracture and fraction both come from it.
Method. Give the meaning, then two words.
- Meaning. Fract means break.break
- Words. Fracture and fraction both come from it.fracture
- Write the answer. Fract means break; fracture and fraction both come from it.
Check. The root and two words are given. ✓
13
FWhich root means "water" and gives the word hydrant? Write the root.
hydr
Method. Look at the word hydrant.
- Find the word. Hydrant has the root from hydor, water.hydrant
- Write the root. The root is hydr.hydr
- Write the answer. hydr
Check. Hydr means water. ✓
9.4
Prefixes and suffixes: changing meaning
Video lesson: Prefixes and suffixes: changing meaningComing soon
Context. A prefix goes before a root and changes its meaning. A suffix goes after a root and often changes the word class. Knowing both helps you spell a new word, because the root and the affixes stay recognisable.
| Affix | Meaning or job | Example |
|---|---|---|
| con- | with or together | convert (turn together, or change) |
| ex- | out or from | exception (taking out) |
| re- | back or again | reverse (turn back) |
| sub- | under or after | subsequent (following after) |
| -ence | a noun ending | sequence, consequence |
| -ous | full of | dangerous (danger, full of) |
Key ideas
- A prefix changes the meaning of the root, often by adding a direction or a negative.
- A suffix often changes the word class, such as a verb to a noun.
- Spell the root unchanged, even when a prefix is added: con + vert = convert, not convirt.
Worked example 9.4.1
What does the prefix sub- mean in "subsequent"?
Method. Look at the root and the prefix.
- Find the prefix. Sub- is the prefix.sub-
- Find the root. The root is sequ, meaning follow.sequ
- Give the meaning. Subsequent means following after.following after
- Write the answer. after or following
Check. The prefix adds after to follow. ✓
Worked example 9.4.2
Which word is spelled correctly: the root vert with the prefix con-? Choose one: convert, convirt or conver.
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The root vert keeps its spelling when the prefix is added, giving convert.convert fits
- Reject the other choices. Convirt and conver change the root or drop a letter.convirt and conver do not fit
- Write the answer. convert
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Worked example 9.4.3
Which suffix turns "consequent" into a noun?
Method. Look for the noun ending.
- Find the root word. Consequent is an adjective ending in -ent.consequent
- Find the change. Changing -ent to -ence gives a noun.-ence
- Give the noun. The noun is consequence.consequence
- Write the answer. -ence, giving consequence
Check. The suffix makes a noun. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: do not drop a letter from the root when you add a suffix. Consequence keeps the root sequ.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Split the word into prefix, root and suffix. Spell each part, and check the root is unchanged.
Exercise 9D Practice: prefixes and suffixes
1
FWhat does the prefix re- mean in "reverse"? Choose one: back or again, with or out.
back or again
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Re- means back, so reverse means to turn back.back or again fits
- Reject the other choices. Con- means with and ex- means out, so neither fits re-.with and out do not fit
- Write the answer. back or again
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
2
FWhat does the prefix ex- mean in "exception"? Choose one: out or from, under or full of.
out or from
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Exception comes from taking out or from a rule.out or from fits
- Reject the other choices. Under is sub-, and full of is -ous.under and full of do not fit
- Write the answer. out or from
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
3
FWhich prefix means under or after in "subsequent"? Write the prefix.
sub-
Method. Look at the start of the word.
- Find the start. Subsequent starts with sub-.sub-
- Name it. The prefix is sub-.sub-
- Write the answer. sub-
Check. Sub-. ✓
4
FWhich word is spelled correctly with the prefix con- and the root vert? Choose one: convert, convirt or conver.
convert
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The root vert keeps its spelling with the prefix.convert fits
- Reject the other choices. Convirt and conver change or drop letters.convirt and conver do not fit
- Write the answer. convert
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
5
FWhich suffix makes "consequent" into "consequence"? Choose one: -ence, -ous or -ly.
-ence
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The suffix -ence turns the adjective into a noun.-ence fits
- Reject the other choices. -ous makes an adjective, and -ly makes an adverb.-ous and -ly do not fit
- Write the answer. -ence
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
6
FWrite the word formed from the prefix re- and the root cept, meaning to take back. Write one word.
reception
Method. Re- means back, and cept means take.
- Find the parts. Re- plus cept gives a word meaning to take back or receive.re- and cept
- Write the noun. The noun ending -ion gives reception.reception
- Write the answer. reception
Check. Reception. ✓
7
RSplit "influence" into a root and a prefix, and say what it means.
Accept any answer that splits the word into in- and flu, and explains a flow into something. For example: In- means into, and flu means flow, so influence means a flow into a person or thing.
Method. Find the prefix and the root.
- Prefix. In- means into.into
- Root. Flu means flow, so the meaning is a flow into something.flow
- Write the answer. In- means into, and flu means flow, so influence means a flow into a person or thing.
Check. The word is split and explained. ✓
8
FWhich word has the suffix -ous, meaning full of? Choose one: dangerous, convertible or reverse.
dangerous
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Dangerous is full of danger, from the -ous ending.dangerous fits
- Reject the other choices. Convertible ends in -ible, and reverse has no suffix.convertible and reverse do not fit
- Write the answer. dangerous
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
9
RExplain why "consequence" keeps the root sequ when the suffix -ence is added.
Accept any answer that explains that the root carries the meaning, so it keeps its spelling. For example: The root carries the meaning follow, so it must stay the same when a suffix is added.
Method. Think about what would happen to the meaning if the root changed.
- Root. The root carries the meaning.carries the meaning
- Spelling. So it stays the same.stays the same
- Write the answer. The root carries the meaning follow, so it must stay the same when a suffix is added.
Check. The reason is explained. ✓
10
FWhich prefix is in "con" + "vert"? Write the prefix.
con-
Method. Look at the start of convert.
- Find the start. Convert starts with con-.con-
- Name the prefix. The prefix is con-.con-
- Write the answer. con-
Check. Con-. ✓
11
FGive the meaning of "subsequent" from its prefix and root.
Accept any answer that gives the meaning following after, from the prefix sub- and root sequ. For example: Subsequent means following after, from sub- (after) and sequ (follow).
Method. Combine the prefix and the root.
- Prefix. Sub- means under or after.after
- Root. Sequ means follow.follow
- Write the answer. Subsequent means following after, from sub- (after) and sequ (follow).
Check. The meaning is built from both parts. ✓
12
RExplain how knowing the root helps you spell "subsequent".
Accept any answer that explains that the root sequ gives the spelling of subsequent. For example: You know the root sequ, so you can spell subsequent as sub + sequ + ent, without guessing.
Method. Think about how a root helps spelling.
- Root. The root sequ is in the word.sequ
- Spelling. Knowing the root gives the spelling.gives the spelling
- Write the answer. You know the root sequ, so you can spell subsequent as sub + sequ + ent, without guessing.
Check. The spelling reason is explained. ✓
9.5
Word families: spelling within a family
Video lesson: Word families: spelling within a familyComing soon
Context. Words in a family share a root, but the spelling can change when a suffix is added. Decide becomes decision and decisive; receive becomes receipt and receptive. Learn the pattern for each change, and check the family in your writing.
| Base word | Family | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| decide | decision, decisive | the -de changes to -sion or -sive |
| receive | receipt, receptive | the -ei spelling in receive; receipt keeps the ei |
| sequence | sequential | the -ence changes to -ential |
| influence | influential | the -ence changes to -ential |
| convert | conversion, convertible | the -t changes to -sion; convertible takes -ible |
Key ideas
- Check the base word, then the family word, and say how the spelling changes.
- The ei spelling in receive is a pattern to learn: after c, ei is common (receive, receipt, perceive).
- Some suffixes change the spelling of the end of the base word.
Worked example 9.5.1
Spell the noun from decide, meaning a choice.
Method. Change the ending of the base word.
- Find the base word. Decide ends with -de.decide
- Change the ending. The -de changes to -sion.-sion
- Write the noun. The noun is decision.decision
- Write the answer. decision
Check. Decision is the noun. ✓
Worked example 9.5.2
Which word is spelled correctly from receive? Choose one: receipt, reciept or recipt.
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Receipt keeps the ei and the c, following the pattern of receive.receipt fits
- Reject the other choices. Reciept breaks the ei rule, and recipt drops a letter.reciept and recipt do not fit
- Write the answer. receipt
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Worked example 9.5.3
Spell the adjective from influence, meaning having an effect on others.
Method. Change the end of the noun.
- Find the base word. Influence ends with -ence.influence
- Change the ending. The -ence becomes -ential.-ential
- Write the adjective. The adjective is influential.influential
- Write the answer. influential
Check. Influential is the adjective. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: ei and ie are easily confused. In receive, the spelling is ei, after the letter c.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Write the base word, then the family word, and check the change at the end.
Exercise 9E Practice: spelling within a family
1
FWhich is the correct spelling of the noun from decide? Choose one: decision, decission or decisoin.
decision
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Decision changes the -de to -sion, as the pattern shows.decision fits
- Reject the other choices. Decission and decisoin do not follow the pattern.decission and decisoin do not fit
- Write the answer. decision
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
2
FWhich is the correct adjective from decide? Choose one: decisive, decisiv or decisave.
decisive
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Decisive changes the -de to -sive.decisive fits
- Reject the other choices. Decisiv and decisave do not follow the pattern.decisiv and decisave do not fit
- Write the answer. decisive
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
3
FWhich is the correct spelling of the noun from receive? Choose one: receipt, reciept or recipt.
receipt
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Receipt keeps the ei pattern of receive.receipt fits
- Reject the other choices. Reciept and recipt break the pattern.reciept and recipt do not fit
- Write the answer. receipt
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
4
FWhich is the correct adjective from receive? Choose one: receptive, receiptive or recieptive.
receptive
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Receptive uses the root cept, from capere (to take), and is spelled with a p.receptive fits
- Reject the other choices. Receiptive and recieptive are not standard.receiptive and recieptive do not fit
- Write the answer. receptive
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
5
FWhat is the adjective from sequence? Write the adjective.
sequential
Method. Change the ending -ence to -ential.
- Find the ending. Sequence ends with -ence.sequence
- Write the adjective. The adjective is sequential.sequential
- Write the answer. sequential
Check. Sequential. ✓
6
FWhich is the correct spelling of the noun from convert? Choose one: conversion, convertion or conversin.
conversion
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Conversion changes the -t to -sion.conversion fits
- Reject the other choices. Convertion and conversin do not follow the pattern.convertion and conversin do not fit
- Write the answer. conversion
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
7
FWhich word is spelled correctly in the family of influence? Choose one: influential, influencial or influental.
influential
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Influential changes -ence to -ential, as in sequence.influential fits
- Reject the other choices. Influencial and influental do not follow the pattern.influencial and influental do not fit
- Write the answer. influential
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
8
PSWrite one correct sentence using a word from the decide family.
Accept any answer that uses decisive or decision correctly in a sentence. For example: The coach made a decisive decision at half time.
Method. Choose the word, then check its spelling.
- Choose. Decisive or decision.decisive
- Check. The spelling follows the pattern.follows the pattern
- Write the answer. The coach made a decisive decision at half time.
Check. The sentence is correct. ✓
9
PSWrite one correct sentence using a word from the receive family.
Accept any answer that uses receipt or receptive correctly in a sentence. For example: The shop gave me a receipt for the receptive customer.
Method. Choose the word, then check its spelling.
- Choose. Receipt or receptive.receipt
- Check. The spelling keeps the ei and the c.ei
- Write the answer. The shop gave me a receipt for the receptive customer.
Check. The sentence is correct. ✓
10
FWhich spelling of "perceive" follows the same ei-after-c pattern as receive? Choose one: perceive, percieve or perceve.
perceive
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Perceive keeps the e before i after c, as in receive.perceive fits
- Reject the other choices. Percieve breaks the pattern, and perceve drops a letter.percieve and perceve do not fit
- Write the answer. perceive
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
11
FWrite the family word for convert that means able to be converted. Write one word.
convertible
Method. Look at the family of convert.
- Find the family. Convert belongs to a family that includes convertible.convertible
- Write it. The word is convertible.convertible
- Write the answer. convertible
Check. Convertible. ✓
12
RExplain why "receipt" keeps the ei spelling of "receive".
Accept any answer that explains that the family shares the root and the ei pattern. For example: The family shares the root and the ei pattern after c, so the spelling stays the same.
Method. Think about what is shared within a family.
- Root. Receive and receipt share the root recei-.recei
- Spelling. The ei pattern after c stays.stays
- Write the answer. The family shares the root and the ei pattern after c, so the spelling stays the same.
Check. The reason is explained. ✓
13
FWhich is the family word for sequence that is spelled correctly? Choose one: sequential, sequencial or sequentail.
sequential
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Sequential changes -ence to -ential.sequential fits
- Reject the other choices. Sequencial and sequentail break the pattern.sequencial and sequentail do not fit
- Write the answer. sequential
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
9.6
Homophones and near-homophones
Video lesson: Homophones and near-homophonesComing soon
Context. Homophones sound the same but have different spellings and meanings. Near-homophones sound almost the same. A spellchecker cannot tell which one you mean, so check the meaning of the sentence.
| Word | Other word | Meaning of the first | Meaning of the second |
|---|---|---|---|
| altar | alter | a table used in a religious ceremony | to change or make different |
| reign | rain | the period a king or queen rules | water that falls from clouds |
| bridal | bridle | relating to a wedding | the straps that go round a horse's head |
| draft | draught | a first version of a piece of writing | a current of cold air |
| sight | site | the power of seeing | a place where something is built or happens |
Key ideas
- Read the sentence and say what it means before choosing the spelling.
- Homophones sound the same; near-homophones sound almost the same.
- A spellchecker will not catch a correct spelling used with the wrong meaning.
Worked example 9.6.1
Which word completes "The bride walked to the ____ in a white dress"? Choose one: altar or alter.
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The sentence is about a wedding ceremony, so the place where it happens is an altar.altar fits
- Reject the other choices. Alter means to change, which does not fit a wedding walk.alter do not fit
- Write the answer. altar
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Worked example 9.6.2
Which word completes "The ____ of the king lasted thirty years"? Choose one: reign or rain.
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. A reign is the period a king or queen rules, which fits the sentence.reign fits
- Reject the other choices. Rain is water from clouds, which does not fit a king.rain do not fit
- Write the answer. reign
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Worked example 9.6.3
Choose the correct word for "I wrote the first ____ of my story last night." (draft or draught)
Method. Think about the meaning in the sentence.
- Read the sentence. It is about writing a story.writing a story
- Match the meaning. A draft is a first version of writing.a first version
- Choose. The word is draft.draft
- Write the answer. draft
Check. The meaning of writing fits draft. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a word can be spelled correctly and still be the wrong word. Read the sentence for meaning.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Say the sentence aloud in your head. Ask which meaning fits, then choose the spelling for that meaning.
Exercise 9F Practice: homophones and near-homophones
1
FComplete the sentence: "The ____ was covered in flowers." (altar or alter) Choose one: altar or alter.
altar
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. A flower-covered place in a church or wedding is an altar.altar fits
- Reject the other choices. Alter means to change, which does not fit a covered place.alter do not fit
- Write the answer. altar
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
2
FComplete the sentence: "We could not play outside because of the ____." (reign or rain) Choose one: rain or reign.
rain
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Rain falls from clouds, so it stops outdoor play.rain fits
- Reject the other choices. Reign is a period of rule, which does not fit outdoor play.reign do not fit
- Write the answer. rain
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
3
FComplete the sentence: "The horse wore a new ____." (bridal or bridle) Choose one: bridle or bridal.
bridle
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. A bridle is the set of straps on a horse's head.bridle fits
- Reject the other choices. Bridal means relating to a wedding, which does not fit a horse.bridal do not fit
- Write the answer. bridle
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
4
FComplete the sentence: "A cold ____ came under the door." (draft or draught) Choose one: draught or draft.
draught
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. A draught is a current of cold air, which fits.draught fits
- Reject the other choices. A draft is a first version of writing, which does not fit cold air.draft do not fit
- Write the answer. draught
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
5
FComplete the sentence: "The new ____ of the school is by the river." (sight or site) Choose one: site or sight.
site
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. A site is a place where something is built.site fits
- Reject the other choices. Sight means the power of seeing, which does not fit a place.sight do not fit
- Write the answer. site
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
6
FComplete the sentence: "The queen's ____ lasted forty years." (reign or rain) Choose one: reign or rain.
reign
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Reign is the period a queen rules.reign fits
- Reject the other choices. Rain is water from clouds, which does not fit a queen.rain do not fit
- Write the answer. reign
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
7
PSWrite one sentence using "altar" with the correct meaning.
Accept any answer that uses altar to mean a table for a religious ceremony, in a correct sentence. For example: The priest stood at the altar as the bride walked up the aisle.
Method. Use the meaning of a table in a ceremony.
- Meaning. Altar means a table for a ceremony.a table for a ceremony
- Sentence. The sentence uses altar in that meaning.in that meaning
- Write the answer. The priest stood at the altar as the bride walked up the aisle.
Check. The meaning and spelling are right. ✓
8
PSWrite one sentence using "alter" with the correct meaning.
Accept any answer that uses alter to mean change or make different, in a correct sentence. For example: The tailor will alter the coat so that it fits better.
Method. Use the meaning of change.
- Meaning. Alter means change or make different.change
- Sentence. The sentence uses alter in that meaning.in that meaning
- Write the answer. The tailor will alter the coat so that it fits better.
Check. The meaning and spelling are right. ✓
9
FWhich word completes "The hikers checked the ____ on the map"? (site or sight) Choose one: site or sight.
site
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The site on the map is the place they are going to.site fits
- Reject the other choices. Sight would mean the power of seeing, which is not a place on a map.sight do not fit
- Write the answer. site
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
10
RExplain why a spellchecker cannot always choose the correct homophone.
Accept any answer that explains that a spellchecker checks spelling, not meaning. For example: It checks the spelling of each word, but the correct word depends on the meaning of the sentence.
Method. Think about what a spellchecker checks.
- What it checks. A spellchecker checks spelling.checks spelling
- What it misses. It does not check which meaning fits.meaning
- Write the answer. It checks the spelling of each word, but the correct word depends on the meaning of the sentence.
Check. The reason is explained. ✓
11
PSChoose one homophone pair and write a sentence that shows the difference in meaning.
Accept any answer that uses one homophone pair correctly, showing the difference in meaning. For example: The rain stopped, and the queen's reign was celebrated with a parade.
Method. Choose a pair, then show the difference in one sentence.
- Pair. Rain and reign.rain and reign
- Sentence. The sentence uses each in its own meaning.its own meaning
- Write the answer. The rain stopped, and the queen's reign was celebrated with a parade.
Check. The pair is used correctly. ✓
12
FWhich is the correct word for "water from clouds"? Choose one: rain, reign or rein.
rain
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Rain is the water that falls from clouds.rain fits
- Reject the other choices. Reign is a period of rule, and rein is a strap for a horse.reign and rein do not fit
- Write the answer. rain
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
13
RJudge which homophone is the best choice in "The horse pulled against the ____." (rein or reign)
Accept any answer that chooses rein, and gives a reason based on the meaning of a strap for a horse. For example: Rein is the best choice, because a rein is the strap used to control a horse.
Method. Read the sentence, then choose the meaning.
- Meaning. A rein is a strap for controlling a horse.a strap
- Reason. It fits a horse pulling against a strap.pulling against
- Write the answer. Rein is the best choice, because a rein is the strap used to control a horse.
Check. The choice is reasoned. ✓
Chapter summary
| Skill | Method |
|---|---|
| Origins | Use a clue (Old English short words, Old Norse egg, Latin learned words, Greek science, French food) to name the language |
| Semantic change | Name the earlier and later meaning, then say whether it became better, worse or narrower |
| Roots | Learn the root first, then spell the root unchanged in each word of the family |
| Prefixes and suffixes | Split the word, name each part, and check the root is not changed |
| Word families | Write the base word, then the family word, and check the change at the end |
| Homophones | Read the sentence for meaning, then choose the spelling for that meaning |
Can you…?
- I can name the language a word came from, using a clue
- I can explain amelioration, pejoration and narrowing with an example
- I can spell words from the new roots: chrom, hydr, kinet, terr, fract, sequ, cept, vert, flu, cycl and orth
- I can split a word into prefix, root and suffix
- I can spell a word family, including the change at the end
- I can choose the right homophone for a sentence
Key terms
- etymology
- the history and origin of a word
- root
- the main part of a word that carries its meaning
- prefix
- letters added to the start of a root, changing its meaning
- suffix
- letters added to the end of a root, often changing the word class
- semantic change
- a change in a word's meaning over time
- amelioration
- a change to a more positive meaning
- pejoration
- a change to a more negative meaning
- homophone
- a word that sounds the same as another but has a different spelling and meaning
Exercise 9Z Check-up
1
Which language is "biology" from? Choose one: Greek, Old English or French.
Greek
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Biology comes from the Greek bios and logos.Greek fits
- Reject the other choices. Old English and French are not the origin of biology.Old English and French do not fit
- Write the answer. Greek
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
2
What type of change is "silly", from blessed to foolish? Choose one: pejoration, amelioration or narrowing.
pejoration
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The meaning became more negative.pejoration fits
- Reject the other choices. The meaning did not become better or narrower.amelioration and narrowing do not fit
- Write the answer. pejoration
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
3
What does the root chrom mean? Write one word.
colour
Method. Look at chromatic.
- Find the root. Chrom comes from the Greek for colour.chrom
- Write the meaning. Chrom means colour.colour
- Write the answer. colour
Check. Colour. ✓
4
Which word is spelled correctly from the root fract? Choose one: fraction, fracton or frachion.
fraction
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Fraction keeps the root fract and the -ion ending.fraction fits
- Reject the other choices. Fracton and frachion change the root or the ending.fracton and frachion do not fit
- Write the answer. fraction
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
5
Which prefix means under or after in "subsequent"? Choose one: sub-, con- or ex-.
sub-
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Sub- means under or after.sub- fits
- Reject the other choices. Con- means with, and ex- means out.con- and ex- do not fit
- Write the answer. sub-
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
6
Write the noun formed from consequent by changing its ending. Write one word.
consequence
Method. Change -ent to -ence.
- Find the base word. Consequent ends with -ent.consequent
- Write the noun. Changing to -ence gives consequence.consequence
- Write the answer. consequence
Check. Consequence. ✓
7
Which word is from Old Norse? Choose one: egg, biology or terrain.
egg
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Egg is an everyday word from Old Norse.egg fits
- Reject the other choices. Biology is Greek, and terrain is Latin.biology and terrain do not fit
- Write the answer. egg
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
8
Complete: "The ____ of the king lasted thirty years." (reign or rain) Choose one: reign or rain.
reign
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. A reign is the period a king rules.reign fits
- Reject the other choices. Rain is water from clouds.rain do not fit
- Write the answer. reign
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
9
Which is the correct spelling of the noun from decide? Choose one: decision, decission or decisoin.
decision
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Decision changes -de to -sion.decision fits
- Reject the other choices. Decission and decisoin break the pattern.decission and decisoin do not fit
- Write the answer. decision
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
10
Explain one reason why the words "earth" and "terrain" have different origins.
Accept any answer that explains that earth is from Old English and terrain from Latin. For example: Earth is an Old English word for everyday land, and terrain is a Latin word, from terra, for a land shape.
Method. Compare the origin of each word.
- Earth. Earth is from Old English.Old English
- Terrain. Terrain is from Latin.Latin
- Write the answer. Earth is an Old English word for everyday land, and terrain is a Latin word, from terra, for a land shape.
Check. Both origins are named. ✓
Total 17 marks. Allow about 17 minutes.
Exercise 9X Practice test questions
1
FName the language that the word "egg" came into English from. Write one language name.[1 mark]
Old Norse
Method. Egg is a common word from the Vikings.
- Recall the origin. Viking settlers brought the word egg.Viking
- Name the language. The language is Old Norse.Old Norse
- Write the answer. Old Norse
Check. Old Norse. ✓
2
FWrite the meaning of the root fract, and one word from it.[2 marks]
break; fracture
Method. Find the meaning of the root and a word that uses it.
- Find the meaning. Fract means break.break
- Find a word. Fracture uses the root.fracture
- Write the answer. break; fracture
Check. The meaning and a word. ✓
3
RExplain what semantic change means, and give one example from this chapter.[3 marks]
Accept any answer that says semantic change is a change in a word's meaning over time, with an example such as silly, awful or knight. For example: Semantic change is a change of meaning over time, as in silly, which changed from blessed to foolish.
Method. Define the term, then give one example.
- Define it. Semantic change is a change in meaning over time.change in meaning over time
- Give an example. Silly changed from blessed to foolish.blessed to foolish
- Write the answer. Semantic change is a change of meaning over time, as in silly, which changed from blessed to foolish.
Check. The term and an example are given. ✓
4
FName the type of change in "knight", from a boy or servant to a noble warrior. Write one word.[1 mark]
amelioration
Method. The meaning became more positive.
- Compare the meanings. The earlier meaning was a boy or servant.a boy or servant
- Name the type. The later meaning is more positive, so it is amelioration.amelioration
- Write the answer. amelioration
Check. The meaning improved. ✓
5
FSpell the word that means "relating to colour" from the root chrom. Write one word.[1 mark]
chromatic
Method. Use the root and the ending.
- Find the root. Chrom means colour.chrom
- Write the word. The adjective is chromatic.chromatic
- Write the answer. chromatic
Check. Chromatic is spelled correctly. ✓
6
FWrite the noun formed from decide, meaning a choice. Write one word.[2 marks]
decision
Method. Change the ending of the base word.
- Find the base word. Decide ends with -de.decide
- Change the ending. The -de becomes -sion.decision
- Write the answer. decision
Check. Decision is spelled correctly. ✓
7
RExplain how the prefix sub- changes the meaning of sequ in "subsequent". One sentence.[3 marks]
Accept any sentence that says sub- means after or under, so subsequent means following after, from the root sequ meaning follow. For example: Sub- means after, so subsequent means following after, from the root sequ.
Method. Give the prefix, the root, and the combined meaning.
- Prefix. Sub- means after.after
- Root. Sequ means follow.follow
- Combined. Together they mean following after.following after
- Write the answer. Sub- means after, so subsequent means following after, from the root sequ.
Check. The prefix, root and meaning are given. ✓
8
FChoose the correct word for: "The couple stood at the ____ to make their vows." Write altar or alter.[1 mark]
altar
Method. Read the sentence for its meaning.
- Read the sentence. A ceremony is held on a table.on the altar
- Choose the word. The word for a ceremonial table is altar.altar
- Write the answer. altar
Check. Altar fits the meaning. ✓
9
FChoose the correct word: "The rain / reign" in "The queen's ____ lasted forty years." Write the word.[1 mark]
reign
Method. Read the sentence for its meaning.
- Read the sentence. A queen rules for forty years.queen
- Choose the word. A reign is the period a queen rules.reign
- Write the answer. reign
Check. Reign fits the meaning. ✓
10
RExplain why "receipt" keeps the ei spelling of "receive". One sentence.[2 marks]
Accept any sentence that says the words share the root recei- and the ei pattern after c, so the spelling stays the same. For example: Receipt shares the root recei- with receive, so it keeps the ei spelling after c.
Method. Name the shared root and the pattern.
- Name the root. Receive and receipt share recei-.recei
- Name the pattern. The ei after c stays.ei after c
- Write the answer. Receipt shares the root recei- with receive, so it keeps the ei spelling after c.
Check. The shared root and pattern are named. ✓