English · Prefixes and Suffixes
Affix Slot Machine
Spin the reels until the three parts build the word in the definition, then pull the lever.
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Why this works
Long words are built, not memorised. Take the root first, because it carries the meaning: appear is the picture of something coming into sight. Then read the prefix as an instruction to that root. un and dis both flip it, re sends it round again, mis says it went wrong. Finally the suffix sets the timing: ing for happening now, s for one person doing it, ment to turn it into a thing, and a blank to leave the plain verb. dis + appear + nothing gives disappear, the opposite of coming into sight. Build any unfamiliar word this way and you can usually work out what it means without being told.
Helping a child through Affix Slot Machine
Hints, least revealing first
- Start with the root in the middle. Which of the four roots is closest to the meaning?
- Now the prefix. Some flip a word to its opposite, some mean again, some mean badly.
- The suffix reel has a blank on it. If the definition says "to ..." you usually want the blank.
When they finish it: “Jackpot!”
2 11+ skills this exercise practises
Each of these has its own page, with a worked example on it.
- Apply a prefix or suffixForm a word by adding one prefix or suffix with the required spelling change.
- Form a derived wordForm one valid new word from a supplied base using the permitted letter operation.
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