Use a meaning-changing prefix

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

Prefixes can change the meaning of a familiar base. Un- often means not, re- again, pre- before and trans- across in words built with those parts.

Separate the indicated prefix and base, combine their meanings and check the supplied word definition.

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 not. The relevant input states: Prefix: un- in unfair. This fits not. Prefixes can change the meaning of a familiar base. Un- often means not, re- again, pre- before and trans- across in words built with those parts. Not every similar beginning is a meaningful prefix.

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. Separate the indicated prefix and base, combine their meanings and check the supplied word definition.
3. Check the worked solution: not. The relevant input states: Prefix: un- in unfair. This fits not. Prefixes can change the meaning of a familiar base. Un- often means not, re- again, pre- before and trans- across in words built with those parts. Not every similar beginning is a meaningful prefix.
4. Try the question and the practice questions. Point to the words that helped you choose before checking the feedback.

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

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: Prefixes can change the meaning of a familiar base. Un- often means not, re- again, pre- before and trans- across in words built with those parts.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.