Power Prefixes Vocabulary
One strategy for decoding new words is to recognize a word part, which is often in the form of a Latin root, prefix, or suffix. We will adopt this strategy beginning with a series of "power prefixes" and a list of ten words that uses each one. Knowing these prefixes and the example words will help you in your reading and on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT.
New for Hamlet: cide words
Power Prefix #1: anti Quizlet version
Power Prefix #2: con
Power Prefix #3: fore
Power Prefix #4: inter
Power Prefix #5: mis
Power Prefix #6: pre
Power Prefix #7: sub
Power Prefix #8: super
Power Prefix #9: trans
Power Prefix #10: uni
We will use the following approach to learn the prefixes and the vocabulary words associated with each one:
Note: This is not the complete list of vocabulary we will learn this year. We will also learn vocabulary in context as we read novels, plays, short stories, poems, and nonfiction pieces. You are encouraged to keep a vocabulary journal to record these words. We will discuss the format and purpose of the vocabulary journal soon.
New for Hamlet: cide words
Power Prefix #1: anti Quizlet version
Power Prefix #2: con
Power Prefix #3: fore
Power Prefix #4: inter
Power Prefix #5: mis
Power Prefix #6: pre
Power Prefix #7: sub
Power Prefix #8: super
Power Prefix #9: trans
Power Prefix #10: uni
We will use the following approach to learn the prefixes and the vocabulary words associated with each one:
- We will tackle one prefix and 10 words that use this prefix at a time.
- At the beginning of class each day, you will see one of the words on the board as the Word of the Day. This is a "Do Now" activity in which you must use the word in your own meaningful sentence--a sentence that clearly demonstrates you know what the word means. For example, the sentence "I am pretty antisocial" is not a meaningful sentence because it does not demonstrate what "antisocial" means. A more meaningful sentence would be: "I am pretty antisocial before games; I don't really like talking to people in the lockerroom beforehand." You may consult your vocabulary handout or a dictionary. Write the sentence in the vocabulary section of your notes. After a couple minutes, we will discuss the word and share examples with the class. This is the way we will learn and practice the words.
- To study the words, go to the link for each list above. Read the example sentences. Then click on the word itself to see a more thorough definition and explanation of how to use the word. Notice the review activities available at the top of the page.
- I will also provide a handout of each list.
- We will have a quiz on the prefix and its 10 words approximately every two weeks.
- For example, study Power Prefix #1: anti and the accompanying 10 words for our first quiz. I will give you the specific date soon.
- Some quiz questions will be fill-in-the-blank sentences with a word bank.
- For other quiz questions, you must write your own meaningful sentences.
- Notice that some of the words may be familiar to you. These words can help anchor your understanding of the prefix. Please take the time to read the example sentences and definitions anyway because (1) many words have multiple meanings and (2) even seemingly easy words may have more specific definitions than you realize.
Note: This is not the complete list of vocabulary we will learn this year. We will also learn vocabulary in context as we read novels, plays, short stories, poems, and nonfiction pieces. You are encouraged to keep a vocabulary journal to record these words. We will discuss the format and purpose of the vocabulary journal soon.