Many English words are built on old Latin or Greek roots that carry a core meaning.
1 Observe
Look at these words. Which part is the same in each pair, and what might it mean?
TransportTo carry people or goods from one place to another.
PortableLight enough to carry easily.
AutographA person's own signature, often asked of someone famous.
BiographyThe written story of a person's life.
2 Discover
Port comes from Latin and means 'carry'. Graph comes from Greek and means 'write'. These core parts are called roots. When you meet a new word, look for a root you know. It gives you a clue to the meaning.
In the Gerund course: Unit 24 Vocabulary in Context
3 Apply
'Tele' means far and 'scope' means look. Rohan uses a telescope to ____.
The root 'aud' means hear. The school bell's ring in Jaipur was so faint it was barely ____.
Fatima meets a new word with a root she knows. What is the best next step?
4 Create
Choose one root from this lesson. Write two words that have it.
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Example: Spect means look: inspect, spectator. A spectator watches the cricket match.
5 Explore
Open the root cards. Pick one root and find three words built on it.