Script 1:

In order to comprehend what we read, understanding words is key. More specifically there are three keys which
can help us to decipher the meaning of unknown words they are called prefixes, roots, and suffixes.
Please have a sheet of lined notebook paper and a pencil ready to take some important notes about our
discussion today. I will tell you what notes are important so, for now, just listen and learn.
I am going to share information with you about the first key to unlocking the meaning of unknown words.
Todays key is learning about prefixes.
Prefixes are letters added to the beginning of a word which change its meaning. Did you know that only four
prefixes account for 97 percent of prefixed words in academic texts?
So that you are ready to take some important notes, I would like for you to make a 3-column foldable.
First place your paper on a flat surface.
Fold 1/3 of the right side of your paper toward the center and flatten with a crease.
Then, fold the left 1/3 side of the paper toward the center and flatten with a crease.
Open up both folds, and now you have a 3-column sheet of paper.
Now with your pencil, in the heading of your paper I would like for you to label each column. Starting with the
left column write the word prefix, in the center column write the word meaning, and in the right column write
the word example.
Number your prefix column 1 through 4 skipping lines in between.
The first prefix is:
The second prefix is actually 4 different prefixes with the same meaning:
Third:
Fourth and final prefix is

Prefix

Meaning

Example

dis-

not, opposite of

dissatisfied

in-, im-, il-, ir-

not

injustice, impossible, illogical, irresponsible

re-

again

recycle

un-

not

unattractive

You now have information about the first key to unlocking the meaning of unknown words.

Script 2:
In order to comprehend what we read, understanding words is key. Please use the three-column notes you made
previously and have a pencil ready to take notes about our discussion today. Draw a bold line under the notes
you previously took on prefixes.
Today, I am going to share information with you about the second key to unlocking the meaning of unknown
words. Todays lesson is on root words. Roots provide the basic structure and meaning of words. Learning
prefixes and roots is hugely important. One study showed that learning a set of 20 prefixes and 14 roots, and
knowing how to use them, unlocks the meaning of over 100,000 words.
Now, your will make a heading on your paper for roots. I would like for you to again label each column.
Starting with the left column write the word root, in the center column write the word meaning, and the right
column write the word example.
Number the roots column 1 through 6 skipping lines in between.
The first root is:
The second root has 2 similar roots with the same meaning:
The third root likewise has 2 similar roots with the same meaning:
The fourth root also has 2 roots with the same meaning
Fifth, comes the root MAGN
The sixth root is actually 3 similar root words,

Root

Meaning

Example

bio-

life

biology

cred, credit

to believe

credible

duc-, duct-

lead

induce, conduct

equ, equi

equal, even

Equality, equivalent

magn-

large

magnitude

mob, mot, mov-

move

mobile, motion, movie

You now have information about the second key to unlocking the meaning of unknown words.

Script 3:
In order to comprehend what we read, understanding words is key. Please use the three-column notes you made
previously and have a pencil ready to take notes about our discussion today. Draw a bold line under the notes
you previously took on roots.
Today, I am going to share information with you about the third key to unlocking the meaning of unknown
words. Todays lesson is on suffixes. Suffixes are letters added to the end of words which often changes the
words meaning. Some suffixes are used so frequently in the English language that you may not even think of
them much less recognize them as suffixes. These include -d/-ed, as in the words used and helped, which
indicates past-tense, and -s/-es, which are used to indicate number as in dogs and boxes.
Now, your will make a heading on your paper for suffixes. I would like for you to again label each column.
Starting with the left column write the word suffix. In the center column, write the word meaning, and in the
right column write the word example.
Number the suffix column 1 through 6 skipping lines in between.
First we have three similar suffixes with the same meaning:
Second we have four similar suffixes with the same meaning:
The third suffix is:
Number 4 has four suffixes with similar meanings
Fifth, has three suffixes with the same meaning:
The sixth suffix is:

Root

Meaning

Example

-able, -ible, -ble

able to

capable, edible

-ant, -ent, -er, -or

one who

occupant, respondent, teacher, creator

-ence

quality of, act of

existence

-ic, -ac, -il, -ile

of, like, pertains to

acidic, cardiac, civil, compile

-ity, -ty, y

state of, character of

unity, shifty, showy

-ive

having the nature of

active

You now have three keys to unlocking the meaning of unknown words. Study and learn these word parts and
you will be well on your way to understanding unfamiliar words.