Greek and Latin Roots — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The root "port" means "to build," so a portable chair can be built anywhere.
Corrected: The root "port" means "to carry," so a portable chair can be carried anywhere.
The corrected sentence is: "The root "port" means "to carry," so a portable chair can be carried anywhere.". The original sentence "The root "port" means "to build," so a portable chair can be built anywhere." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
A telescope helps you build things far away because "tele" means build.
Corrected: A telescope helps you see things far away because "tele" means far.
The corrected sentence is: "A telescope helps you see things far away because "tele" means far.". The original sentence "A telescope helps you build things far away because "tele" means build." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
The root "struct" means "far," so to construct means to put far away.
Corrected: The root "struct" means "to build," so to construct means to build something.
The corrected sentence is: "The root "struct" means "to build," so to construct means to build something.". The original sentence "The root "struct" means "far," so to construct means to put far away." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The root "port" means to carry .
Port means to carry — transport (carry across), export (carry out), import (carry in), portable (can be carried).
2. The root "struct" means to build .
Struct means to build — construct (build together), instruct (build knowledge), structure (something built).
3. The root "tele" means far .
Tele means far — telephone (far sound), telescope (seeing far), television (seeing far away).
4. A telephone lets you hear sounds from far away.
Telephone = tele (far) + phone (sound), a device for hearing sounds from far away.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Use the root "struct" to explain the meaning of the word destruction.
Sample answer: Since "struct" means to build and "de-" means to undo, destruction means tearing down or ruining something that was built.
De- (undo) + struct (build) = destruct, meaning to undo building or break apart completely.
2. Why is the word "transport" related to the root "port"?
Sample answer: Transport means to carry something from one place to another. The root "port" means to carry, and "trans" means across.
Trans (across) + port (carry) = transport, to carry something from one location to another.