English Language Arts
Grade 5
15 min
Use the prefixes pre-, re-, and mis-
Use the prefixes pre-, re-, and mis-
Tutorial Preview
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define the term 'prefix' and identify the root word in a given word.
Define the meanings of the prefixes pre- (before), re- (again), and mis- (wrongly).
Correctly add the prefixes pre-, re-, and mis- to given root words to form new words.
Use words with the prefixes pre-, re-, and mis- correctly in sentences to demonstrate understanding.
Analyze how adding pre-, re-, or mis- changes the meaning of a root word.
Apply knowledge of these prefixes to understand new vocabulary encountered in grade-level texts.
Ever wonder why you *reread* a book but *preview* a movie? 🤔 Let's unlock the secret code at the beginning of words!
In this lesson, you'll become a word detective! We will explore three common prefixes: pre-, re-, and mis-. Learnin...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PrefixA word part added to the beginning of a root word that changes the word's meaning.In the word 'unhappy', 'un-' is the prefix.
Root WordThe main part of a word that contains the basic meaning. It can stand alone as a word.In the word 'remake', 'make' is the root word.
pre-A prefix that means 'before' or 'in advance'.'prepay' means to pay before you receive something.
re-A prefix that means 'again' or 'back'.'redo' means to do something again.
mis-A prefix that means 'wrongly', 'badly', or 'incorrectly'.'misspell' means to spell a word wrongly.
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Prefix Formula
prefix + root word = new word
A prefix is attached directly to the beginning of a root word without a space or hyphen. The new word combines the meaning of the prefix and the root word.
The Meaning Clue Rule
The prefix changes the meaning of the root word in a predictable way.
To understand a new word, first define the root word. Then, apply the meaning of the prefix (before, again, or wrongly) to discover the new word's definition.
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
Which of the following words is NOT a real, standard English word?
A.misguide
B.pre-write
C.rethink
D.mis-loyal
Challenging
Consider the words 'reread' and 'misread'. Which statement best analyzes the different impact of the prefixes on the root word 'read'?
A.'reread' describes the timing of the action, while 'misread' describes the location of the action.
B.'reread' describes the frequency of the action, while 'misread' describes the quality or correctness of the action.
C.Both prefixes indicate that the action was done poorly.
D.'reread' means to read backwards, while 'misread' means to read forwards.
Challenging
In a persuasive essay, a student writes: 'We must not misinterpret the author's message.' Why is 'misinterpret' a more powerful word choice here than 'read wrongly'?
A.It is shorter and therefore easier to read.
B.It is a more formal and precise academic term that implies a deeper level of incorrect understanding.
C.It is a less common word, which makes the essay sound smarter.
D.It means the same thing, so there is no difference in power.
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