Roots, Prefixes & Suffixes — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The interstate highway connects different streets within one small town.
Corrected: The interstate highway connects roads that travel between different states.
The prefix inter- means "between," so an interstate highway travels between states — it connects different states, not streets within a single small town.
2. Fix the sentence:
A semicircle is a complete circle with no parts missing.
Corrected: A semicircle is exactly half of a circle.
The prefix semi- means "half," so a semicircle is exactly half of a circle, not a complete one with no parts missing.
3. Fix the sentence:
A multilingual person can only speak one single language.
Corrected: A multilingual person can speak many different languages.
The prefix multi- means "many," so multilingual means speaking many languages. The original sentence contradicted the prefix by saying "only one."
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The prefix inter- means "between," so an intermission is a break that comes between two parts of a performance.
Inter- means "between," so an intermission is the pause that falls between the two halves of a play or concert.
2. The prefix trans- means "across," so to transfer a letter means to send it across from one person to another.
Trans- means "across," so to transfer something means to move it across from one person or place to another.
3. A semi truck is one that is only half the size of a full truck, because semi- means half.
Semi- means "half" or "partial," so a semi truck is a partial truck — it pulls a separate trailer rather than being one complete vehicle.
4. A multitool tool can do many tasks at once, because the prefix multi- means many.
Multi- means "many," so a multitool combines many different tools — like pliers, a knife, and a screwdriver — into one device.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Explain what the prefix trans- means and give two words that use it. Tell what each word means.
Sample answer: The prefix trans- means "across." The word transplant means to move a plant or organ across to a new place. The word transport means to carry something across from one location to another.
Trans- means "across," and it changes each base word the same way: transplant means to move across to a new place, and transport means to carry across from one location to another.
2. How does the prefix multi- change the meaning of a word? Give an example of a multi- word and explain it.
Sample answer: The prefix multi- means "many" and shows there is more than one of something. For example, multicolored means having many colors, like a rainbow painting.
Multi- means "many" and signals more than one of something. For example, multicolored means having many colors, so a multicolored painting looks like a rainbow with several hues.