Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What is one strategy to identify Latin and Greek roots in unfamiliar words?

1. Use dictionaries exclusively

2. Show the connection between words in the same word families

3. Only study modern English words

4. Ignore prefixes and suffixes

The correct answer is: Show the connection between words in the same word families

Identifying Latin and Greek roots in unfamiliar words is effectively supported by showing the connection between words in the same word families. This strategy relies on understanding that many words in English share common roots and affixes, which can provide clues about their meanings. When students recognize that multiple words with the same root may convey related ideas or themes, they can make educated guesses about unfamiliar words. For instance, knowing that "aud" comes from the Latin root meaning "hear" can help a student understand words like "audible" or "auditory." Using dictionaries exclusively might limit students to definitions without fostering an understanding of word families and their interconnectedness. Studying only modern English words would exclude crucial historical context provided by Latin and Greek, which form the basis of many English terms. Lastly, ignoring prefixes and suffixes would hinder the ability to decode the meanings of words, as these elements often modify the root's meaning significantly. Hence, exploring connections within word families enhances vocabulary development and comprehension skills by revealing underlying meanings shared across various terms.