Developing and sustaining foundational language skills: Determining The Meaning And Usage Of Academic English Words From Greek And Latin Roots (TEKS.ELA.6.2.C)

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Texas 6th Grade ELA › Developing and sustaining foundational language skills: Determining The Meaning And Usage Of Academic English Words From Greek And Latin Roots (TEKS.ELA.6.2.C)

Questions 1 - 8
1

During our school's radio project, Maya learned how signals transmit information through the air. She built a simple antenna and tested how far a short message could travel. When the static cleared, her partner reported hearing the transmission from across the field. To explain the results, Maya created a small poster that compared a live message to a recorded manuscript she had written for the morning announcements. She noticed that the transmitted voice moved quickly from sender to receiver, while the manuscript stayed on paper until someone read it aloud. The class discussed which method worked best for emergencies and how to improve future transmissions.

Which root meaning helps define the word "transmit" in the passage?

good, well

write

send

law, right

Explanation

The root mit/mis means "send," so transmit means "to send across." In the passage, signals send information. Extension: Generate 1–2 new mit/ mis words (e.g., admit, submit) and explain how "send" shapes their meanings. Scaffold: Use the root chart to match mit/mis to "send." Enrichment: Compare mit/mis (send) in transmit with script (write) in manuscript to see how each root changes meaning.

2

At the community garden, Elena tested which soil mix was most beneficial for young tomato plants. She compared plain dirt to compost-rich soil and noted the height and color of the leaves after a week. The compost provided nutrients that clearly benefited the seedlings, while a patch of vacant ground nearby produced weak sprouts. Elena wrote a short report describing her method and results so next year's volunteers could repeat the test. She concluded that a few simple changes, like adding compost and watering on a schedule, would bring beneficial growth without expensive tools. She also shared the data with the school club to help plan spring planting.

Which root meaning helps define the word "beneficial" in the passage?

good, well

empty

hand

send

Explanation

The root bene means "good" or "well," so beneficial means "helpful" or "good for." In the passage, compost is good for the plants. Extension: Generate 1–2 new bene words and explain their meanings. Scaffold: Use the root chart to connect bene to "good/well." Enrichment: Compare bene (good) in beneficial with vac (empty) in vacant to analyze how the roots shape meaning.

3

Before the school theater competition, the stage manager asked everyone to vacate the backstage hallway so the props could be rolled through safely. Performers moved to the lobby, where a parent volunteer reviewed the schedule and reminded the group about fair play and good sportsmanship, which felt like basic justice to everyone. Once the hallway was clear, the crew transported the sets in minutes and signaled that rehearsals could continue. By keeping tight pathways empty, the team prevented accidents and kept the show on time, which impressed the judges. A quick poster also marked exits to guide late arrivals during the rush.

Which root meaning helps define the word "vacate" in the passage?

write

law, right

hand

empty

Explanation

The root vac means "empty," so vacate means "to make empty" or "leave." In the passage, people leave the hallway to keep it empty. Extension: Generate 1–2 new vac words and explain their meanings. Scaffold: Use the root chart to link vac to "empty." Enrichment: Compare vac (empty) in vacate with jus/jur (law, right) in justice to see how each root shapes the situation.

4

In the museum workshop, our group examined a fragile manuscript loaned from the archives. The pages were carefully sewn to a thin spine and stored in a protective case. I wore gloves and followed the curator's manual for turning pages so the ink wouldn't smear. We compared the handwriting to a printed copy and noticed tiny corrections in the margins. The manuscript told the explorer's story in his own words, long before it was typed and published. Afterward, we sketched the layout and discussed why preserving original writing matters for historians. Using a soft brush, the curator removed dust and explained how light can damage old ink over time.

Which root meaning helps define the word "manuscript" in the passage?

law, right

write

send

hand

Explanation

The root script/scrib means "write," so manuscript refers to a written work. In the passage, the manuscript contains the explorer's writing. Extension: Generate 1–2 new script/scrib words and explain their meanings. Scaffold: Use the root chart to match script/scrib to "write." Enrichment: Compare script (write) in manuscript with manu (hand) in manual to analyze how both roots shape the idea of a hand-written text.

5

At the school weather club, Maya set up a small station on the roof to record wind and temperature. Every hour, the sensors transmit the data to a computer in the library, where students graph the changes and discuss patterns. The system works without anyone having to carry papers around, unlike the manual logs they used last year. When a gust shook the anemometer loose, Maya wrote a quick note to the custodian and resecured the device with tape. By the end of the week, the club shared a short report with the principal, proud that their process could send reliable information quickly.

Which root meaning helps define the word transmit in the passage?

build

wrong

send

heat

Explanation

The root mit/mis means send. In transmit, it signals that the sensors send data from the roof to the computer. Extension: Generate 1–2 new mit/mit words (e.g., submit, admit) and explain how send is part of their meanings. Scaffold: Use the root chart to match mit/mis with send and find related examples. Enrichment: Compare mit/mis in transmit with manu (hand) in manual; explain how each root shapes the passage's meaning about how information is moved and recorded.

6

During our community garden project, we learned that compost is beneficial for the soil because it improves texture and adds nutrients. When the lot was vacant years ago, rainwater pooled and weeds spread, but now raised beds hold moisture, and vegetables thrive. Ms. Ortiz showed us how coffee grounds and leaves break down, and she encouraged us to share a basket of tomatoes with the neighborhood shelter. We took turns turning the pile and recording changes in a simple chart. By the final harvest, even skeptics admitted the rich, crumbly soil had been a good gift to worms, roots, and the whole block.

Which root meaning helps define the word beneficial in the passage?

good, well

empty

hand

light

Explanation

The root bene means good or well. In beneficial, it shows that compost is good for the soil. Extension: Generate 1–2 new bene words (e.g., benevolent, benediction) and explain how good/well fits their meanings. Scaffold: Use the root chart to link bene to good/well and find examples. Enrichment: Compare bene in beneficial with vac in vacant; analyze how good versus empty shape the description of the garden's change.

7

At rehearsal, the drama club gathered around the table where Talia set a thick manuscript she had been revising for weeks. The pages were full of dialogue and stage directions, neatly typed, but she also kept a small manual nearby to guide lighting cues. Mr. Chen asked the actors to annotate tricky lines and suggest cuts for pacing. When a prop went missing, the stage manager sketched a quick replacement and signaled the crew. After reading the last scene aloud, the group applauded; Talia smiled, knowing her written words would soon come to life under the bright lamps and careful timing of their show.

Which root meaning helps define the word manuscript in the passage?

hand

speak

send

write

Explanation

The root scrib/script means write. In manuscript, script signals writing; the passage focuses on Talia's written pages for the play. Extension: Generate 1–2 new scrib/script words (e.g., describe, inscription) and explain how write is part of their meanings. Scaffold: Use the root chart to connect scrib/script to write. Enrichment: Compare script (write) in manuscript with manu (hand) in manual; discuss how both roots together suggest something originally written by hand and how each shapes the scene.

8

During student council, the representatives debated whether to shorten lunch to add more advisory time. Before any vote, they had to justify their proposal to classmates by explaining evidence from surveys and schedules. Jordan, the secretary, projected a blank timeline and marked possible shifts, while the treasurer estimated costs for supervision. When a conflict arose about space, the principal offered to vacate the small auditorium for meetings. In the end, the council agreed to pilot the change for two weeks and gather feedback. Their clear reasons didn't guarantee approval, but they knew a fair process would build trust. Several students volunteered to serve as jurors in a mock hearing to ensure every viewpoint was considered.

Which root meaning helps define the word justify in the passage?

write

law, right, or justice

empty

speak

Explanation

The root jur/jus relates to law, right, or justice. In justify, it means to show something is right or fair, which matches explaining reasons before a vote. Extension: Generate 1–2 new jur/jus words (e.g., jury, justice) and explain the law/right idea in each. Scaffold: Use the root chart to connect jur/jus to law/right/justice. Enrichment: Compare jus in justify with vac in vacate; analyze how ideas about fairness versus emptiness/clearing space affect the council's decision-making.