Identify a derivational suffix

Supplied materials

• Paper and pencil, or a browser text area. All named people/events/records are fictional learning inputs.
• Worked case: Prefix: un- in unfair. Suffix: -ness in kindness. Word: cat. Problem: reader substitutes cap for cat.
• Primary check: Prefix: re- in reread. Suffix: -able in readable. Word: rabbit. Problem: reader ignores a period.

Learn the idea

Derivational suffixes can change a word’s meaning or word class. -ness builds a quality noun, -able an ability adjective, -ful a fullness adjective and -tion an action or result noun.

Read the base and stated suffix. Explain the whole word and note whether it names a thing or describes one.

Example to read or listen to: Prefix: un- in unfair. Suffix: -ness in kindness. Word: cat. Problem: reader substitutes cap for cat. The answer is make a noun for a state or quality. The relevant input states: Suffix: -ness in kindness. This fits make a noun for a state or quality. Derivational suffixes can change a word’s meaning or word class. -ness builds a quality noun, -able an ability adjective, -ful a fullness adjective and -tion an action or result noun. A word ending changes meaning, not only pronunciation.

1. Read or listen to the worked example. Say what the reading or writing task asks you to find. An adult can help with unfamiliar words.
2. Read the base and stated suffix. Explain the whole word and note whether it names a thing or describes one.
3. Check the worked solution: make a noun for a state or quality. The relevant input states: Suffix: -ness in kindness. This fits make a noun for a state or quality. Derivational suffixes can change a word’s meaning or word class. -ness builds a quality noun, -able an ability adjective, -ful a fullness adjective and -tion an action or result noun. A word ending changes meaning, not only pronunciation.
4. Try the question and the practice questions. Point to the words that helped you choose before checking the feedback.

Check your reasoning

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Take it further

Optional extra practice: Read the original line: Before preschool, I reread a helpful note. Explain pre-, re- and -ful; divide preschool and helpful into two syllables each; read Before preschool as a phrase. If note is mistaken for not, use final-e decoding and reread. Practice this lesson’s skill as you complete the task. Use this idea to check your work: Derivational suffixes can change a word’s meaning or word class. -ness builds a quality noun, -able an ability adjective, -ful a fullness adjective and -tion an action or result noun.

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