Suffixes and Prefixes
Root Words
Schwa
1-1-1 Words
Open and Closed Syllables
100

What do we call a word part added to the END of a base word to change its meaning? (Example: -ful in 'helpful')

A suffix

100

The root word 'port' means 'carry.' Name one word that uses this root.

Any of: transport, import, export, portable, report

100

What is the schwa sound? Say it aloud!

The "uh" sound (like in 'about' or 'pencil')

100

What does the '1-1-1 rule' mean in spelling?

1 syllable, 1 short vowel, 1 final consonant — double the last consonant before adding a vowel suffix

100

In an open syllable, does the vowel say its long or short sound?

Long sound (example: 'me,' 'go,' 'ti' in tiger)

200

What do we call a word part added to the BEGINNING of a base word? (Example: un- in 'unhappy')

A prefix

200

What does the root 'aud' mean? Hint: think of the word 'audio.'

Sound/ to hear

200

In the word 'banana,' which syllable makes the schwa sound?

The first and second 'a' — both unaccented a's say "uh"

200

Use the 1-1-1 rule: How do you spell 'run' + '-ing'?

running

200

In a closed syllable, what closes the vowel in and what sound does it usually make?

A consonant closes it, and the vowel makes a short sound (example: 'cat,' 'hop')

300

What does the prefix 're-' mean? (Example: redo, rewrite, replay)

Again, to do again

300

The root 'vis' means 'see.' What does the word 'invisible' mean?

Not able to be seen / cannot be seen

300

In the word 'problem,' which vowel makes the schwa sound?

The 'e' in the second syllable — "pruh-blem"

300

Does the 1-1-1 rule apply to the word 'jump'? Why or why not?

'jump' ends in two consonants (mp), so we don't double

300

Is the first syllable in 'robot' open or closed? How do you know?

Open — 'ro' ends with a vowel and says its long o sound

400

Add the suffix '-er' to the word 'teach.' What new word do you get, and what does it mean?

Teacher — a person who teaches

400

Both 'bicycle' and 'biweekly' start with 'bi-.' What does 'bi-' mean?

two

400

True or false: The schwa sound can be spelled with any vowel letter.

True — a, e, i, o, and u can all make the schwa sound

400

Apply the 1-1-1 rule: 'sit' + '-er' = ?

sitter

400

Split 'napkin' into syllables. Is each syllable open or closed?

nap-kin — both are closed syllables (each ends in a consonant)

500

The prefix 'mis-' means wrong. What does the word 'misspell' mean?

To spell a word incorrectly/wrong

500

The root 'scrib' or 'script' means 'write.' Name a word that uses this root.

Scribble, describe, inscription

500

What special symbol do we use in dictionaries to show the schwa sound?

The upside-down e — called "schwa" (ə)

500

Why do we write 'stopping' but NOT 'stooping' with a double letter?

'Stop' has a short vowel and one final consonant (1-1-1). 'Stoop' has two vowels, so no doubling.

500

The word 'pilot' has one open and one closed syllable. Which is which?

pi' is open (long i), 'lot' is closed (short o)