Exploring Word Roots
A Grade 7 ELA worksheet focusing on understanding and identifying common Greek and Latin word roots to enhance vocabulary and comprehension.
Includes
Standards
Topics
Exploring Word Roots
Name:
Date:
Score:
Read each section carefully and follow the instructions to complete the activities. This worksheet will help you understand how word roots contribute to the meaning of words.
Understanding Word Roots
Many words in the English language are built from smaller parts called roots. A root is the base of a word, and it carries the primary meaning. By learning common Greek and Latin roots, you can unlock the meaning of hundreds of new words, even if you’ve never seen them before. For example, the Latin root 'aud' means 'to hear.' Knowing this, you can understand that 'audible' means 'able to be heard,' and 'auditorium' is a place where people gather to hear performances. Similarly, the Greek root 'bio' means 'life,' which helps us understand words like 'biology' (the study of life) and 'biography' (the story of a life). Recognizing these roots is a powerful tool for expanding your vocabulary and improving your reading comprehension.
Match each word root on the left with its correct meaning on the right.
1. 'bene'
a. to write
2. 'graph'
b. good
3. 'tele'
c. earth
4. 'geo'
d. distant
Use your knowledge of word roots to complete each sentence with the most appropriate word.
1. An person is one who causes harm or misfortune.
2. The study of the human body is called .
3. A is a device that makes distant objects appear closer.
4. The artist created a beautiful of the landscape.
1. What does the root 'mal' mean?
good
bad
large
small
2. Which word contains a root meaning 'water'?
aquarium
biology
visible
transport
1. Explain how knowing the root 'rupt' (meaning 'break') can help you understand the words 'erupt' and 'disrupt'.
Use the words from the word bank to fill in the blanks in the sentences below.
1. The coach gave us a demonstration of the new play.
2. The stars are only on a clear night.
3. The events were listed in order, from earliest to latest.
4. Her senses were heightened after the accident.