Use Root Words as Meaning Clues

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2nd Grade Writing › Use Root Words as Meaning Clues

Questions 1 - 10
1

The word rainy comes from rain. What does it mean?

Having rain

One who rains

Without rain

Explanation

This asks about root words. When we add 'y' to 'rain', it means having rain. A rainy day has lots of rain.

2

If friend means someone you like, what might friendly mean?​​​

Without friends

In a friend way; kind like a friend

A person who is a friend

Explanation

This tests root word meanings. The root word 'friend' means someone you like. When we add '-ly' it means acting like that. Friendly means acting like a friend or being kind.

3

These words share the same root: color, colorful. What meaning do they share?

They both mean without color

They both have to do with color

They both mean a person who colors

Explanation

We're finding shared meaning in root words. Both 'color' and 'colorful' share the root 'color.' They both have to do with color - one names it, one describes having lots of it.

4

If kind means nice, what might kindness mean?​

Without being kind

A person who is kinder

The state of being kind

Explanation

This is about root words and suffixes. The root word 'kind' means nice. When we add 'ness' to make 'kindness,' it means the state of being kind.

5

What is the root word in playing?

ing

lay

play

Explanation

We're finding the root word. In 'playing,' the root word is 'play.' The 'ing' part is added to show it's happening now.

6

If happy means feeling good, what might happiness mean?

More happy

Without happy

State of being happy

Explanation

This asks about word endings. When we add 'ness' to 'happy', it means the state of being happy. Happiness is the feeling of being happy.

7

The word teacher comes from teach. What does teacher mean?

A person who teaches

To learn something new

A place where people learn

Explanation

This is about root words and suffixes. The root word is 'teach.' When we add 'er' to make 'teacher,' it means a person who teaches.

8

If slow means not fast, what might slowly mean?​​

In a slow way

Without slow

One who slows

Explanation

This tests word endings. When we add 'ly' to 'slow', it tells how something is done. Slowly means in a slow way.

9

What is the root word in playing?​​

ing

play

lay

Explanation

We need to find the root word. The root word is 'play' because 'ing' is just an ending. Take away 'ing' and you get 'play'.

10

The word rainy comes from rain. What does it mean?​​

Having rain

Without rain

One who rains

Explanation

This asks about root words. When we add 'y' to 'rain', it means having rain. A rainy day has lots of rain.

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