Writers choice vocabulary and spelling strategies and practice grade 7

Word Association Complete each word group by writing a word from the list above that is closely ated with the other words or phrases.. Word Association Write a word from the list that ha

Strategies and Practice

Grade 7

Vocabulary for Writing in the Real World

Jenkins Celebrates Life 1

Featuring “The Freep!” 2

Synder Describes Gargoyles 3

Bethancourt Writes “User Friendly” 4

Rand Explains Underwater Mysteries 5

Carson Delivers a Wake-up Call 6

Literature Vocabulary The Diary of Latoya Hunter, Latoya Hunter 7

The Clay Marble, Minfong Ho 8

The Gathering, Virginia Hamilton 9

“A Huge Black Umbrella,” Marjorie Agosín 10

Living Treasure, Laurence Pringle 11

“The Liberry,” Bel Kaufman 12

Learning from Context Definition 13

Example 14

Comparison I 15

Comparison II 16

Contrast I 17

Contrast II 18

Cause and Effect I 19

Cause and Effect II 20

Word Parts Roots I 21

Roots II 22

Prefixes I 23

Prefixes II 24

Suffixes I 25

Suffixes II 26

Synonyms, Antonyms, and Homonyms Synonyms I 27

Synonyms II 28

Antonyms I 29

Antonyms II 30

Using the Dictionary and Thesaurus

Borrowed Words 32

Using a Dictionary I 33

Using a Dictionary II 34

Using a Dictionary III 35

Using a Dictionary IV 36

Using a Thesaurus 37

Using Spelling Rules Spelling ie and ei 38

Unstressed Vowels 39

Adding Prefixes 40

Suffixes and the Silent e 41

Suffixes and the Final y 42

Doubling the Final Consonant 43

Forming Compound Words 44

Forming Plurals—General Rules I 45

Forming Plurals—General Rules II 46

Forming Plurals—Special Rules I 47

Forming Plurals—Special Rules II 48

Problem Words Spelling Problem Words I 49

Spelling Problem Words II 50

Spelling Problem Words III 51

Spelling Problem Words IV 52

Answers 53

Use with Writing in the Real World, pp 4 –7.

■ A Word Association

Complete each word group by writing a word from the list above that is closely ated with the other words or phrases

associ-1. say, tell, make known

2. widen, develop, enlarge

3. Bahamas, rhythm, drums

4. song, tune, music

5. rattles, instruments, shake

■ B Using Words in Sentences

In each sentence below, cross out one or more words, and replace what you crossed outwith a word from the list above Write the listed word above the part you crossed out

Use your dictionary if you need help

1. We were surprised to meet up with a well-dressed gentleman in the alley

2. She often wore jeans, T-shirts, and other casual clothes to work

3. The movement of the rowboat caused only a small wave in the lake

4. A trip to the library may bring about an interest in books

5. It was difficult to hear the speaker in the middle of all the shouting

6. The small rhythm instruments were hand painted with scenes from an island

7. Grandfather played an old tune on his accordion

8. Chang is trying to enlarge his understanding of how the heart and lungs work

9. Jessica has a hard time trying to tell her feelings about moving to Tallahassee

10. When the band began to play the music from Trinidad, people jumped up

to dance

Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding Writing in the Real World Say each word to yourself Then answer the questions that follow.

calypso express broaden inspire informal

Key Information

Use with Writing in the Real World, pp 4 2–45.

■ A Exploring Word Meanings

1. Which word describes how a feature writer might feel when a story just won’t

come out right? _

2. Which word names information that appears as charts, diagrams, or pictures

instead of words? _

3. How do you think collaboration might be related to a publication?

4. Both reflect and deem mean “to think about” or “to consider.” But they are

differ-ent in an important way Which of the two words also means “to judge”? Use a

dictionary, and compare the definitions

■ B Making the Meaning Clear

Complete each sentence to make the meaning of the underlined word clear

1. The writer decided to take her notes on cards and then transfer them to

2. Elena liked to read contemporary authors because _

3. Their work was a collaboration: Jen gathered the information, and Willow

4. My mother deems it necessary for me to study because she knows that I want

5. Before I decided to submit a poem, I

Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding Writing in the Real

World These words can also help you understand feature writing Say each word to yourself,

and then answer the questions that follow Use a dictionary if needed.

reflect contemporary submit impatient collaboration

profile deem graphic achieve publication

Key Information

Use with Writing in the Real World, pp 110–113.

■ A Relating Words to Concepts

1. Which word from the list means about the same thing as to picture?

2. Which word describes a showy character?

3. Which word describes a technique you might use to show the most importantdetails in your notes?

4. Which word in the list describes the kind of words a writer wants when she

chooses an adjective like sizzling instead of one like hot?

5. Which word means the same as daily or commonly?

■ B Relating Words and Examples

Give an example of each of the following underlined words:

1. An action that shows hesitation

2. A vision of the future

3. Something that has been highlighted

4. An imaginative book

Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding Writing in the Real World Say each word to yourself Then answer the questions that follow Use a dic- tionary if needed.

overall vision visualize hesitation interpretation precise highlight ordinarily imaginative flamboyant

Key Information

Use with Writing in the Real World, pp 152–155.

■ A Recognizing Definitions

Write the word or phrase from each group that matches the meaning of the underlined

word Use a dictionary if needed

1. summarize: prepare for summer; tell about briefly; elaborate; commit to memory

2. intimidate: frighten; listen; imply; supply with raw materials

3. portable: drinkable; edible; resistant to water; able to be carried

4. resolve: remove weapons from; make up one’s mind; undo; handle with care

■ B Completing Sentences

Complete each sentence below so that the meaning of the underlined word is clear Use

a dictionary to check meanings as needed

1. Our class learned about artificial intelligence when we began our study of

2. Tim began to meddle with my plans when he _

3. If you are critical of someone else’s work, you might _

4. It was very sly of Lauren to _

5. The writer said he modeled his main character after

Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding Writing in the Real

World Say each word to yourself Then answer the questions that follow.

portable summarize meddle model intimidate

disarm sly resolve artificial intelligence critical

Key Information

Use with Writing in the Real World, pp 196–199.

■ A Word Association

1. Which two words on the list name kinds of movement?

2. Which two words refer to an animal’s need for food?

3. How are curator and aquarium related?

4. Which word refers to time?

■ B Using Words in Sentences

In each sentence below, cross out one or more words, and replace what you crossed outwith a word from the list Write the listed word above the part you crossed out Youmay use your dictionary for help

1. Pandas have a good name because they look cute and cuddly Are they really?

2. Bats are active during the night

3. The belief that wolves will attack humans is a wrong idea

4. Her constant smile gave others the strong feeling that she was happy

5. Tiny mice search silently and constantly along the riverbank for edible seeds

6. The snake moved quickly, twisting and turning through the tall grass

7. We went to the collection of sea exhibits housed in one building in Baltimore

8. Elaine went snorkeling near the ridge of coral off Bahia Honda State Park

9. The person in charge of the museum is an expert on Navajo art

10. The animal followed the fresh tracks made by its prey

Listed below are words that are important for understanding Writing in the Real World Say each word to yourself Then use as many words as you need to answer the questions that follow You may use some words twice.

aquarium reef curator reputation misconception nocturnal impression prowl predator wriggling

Key Information

Use with Writing in the Real World, pp 258–261.

■ A Word Association

Write a word from the list that has the same or almost the same meaning as each of the

following words or phrases Use your dictionary as needed

1. belief in one’s ability

2. physician

3. convincing

4. having skill in reading

5. with a desired result

6. facts for a trial

■ B Relating Words and Examples

For each underlined word, cross out the phrase from each group that is not an

example of the underlined word On the line write a correct example of your own

Use a dictionary to check your answers

1. evidence: a photo showing a crime being committed; support for an idea in your

writing; a small furry creature

2. admiration: a smile that shows pleasure and positive feelings; a deposit in a bank

account; praise for something well done

3. grumpily: saying something slowly; doing something with a frown; getting out of

bed with a complaint and a growl

4. anecdote: story told to make a point; something to counteract a poison; narrative

about a personal experience

5. knowledge: understanding why the Declaration of Independence was written;

Listed below are some of the words that are important for understanding Writing in the Real

World Say each word to yourself Then answer the questions that follow.

anecdote surgeon persuasive grumpily literate

evidence knowledge admiration effectively confidence

Key Information

Use with Unit 1, pp 32–38.

■ A Relating Known and Unknown Words

Match each word below with a synonym from the list Refer to the dictionary as needed

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Write a sentence using each pair of words Use context clues so that a reader will stand the meanings of the words from your sentence Use a dictionary if necessary

Listed below are some useful words from the literature selection Say each word on the list

to yourself.

desperate envy individual pathetic innumerable empathize mature realization circulate communicate

Key Information

Use with Unit 2, pp 90–95.

■ A Word Association

Complete each word group by writing a word from the list above that is closely

associ-ated with the other words or phrases Refer to a dictionary if helpful

1. fire, ashes, heat _

2. hands, quickly, easily _

3. jewels, dear, valuable _

4. piece, broken, part _

5. close, comfort, hug _

6. sadness, memories, longingly _

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Complete each of the following sentences by choosing an appropriate word from the

list Use each word only once Refer to a dictionary if necessary

1. The president _ and with great solemnity pinned a medal on

each soldier’s uniform

2. Kevin thought _ about the game he was going to miss

3. Workers moved the _ stone into place

4. Sarah is an _ student who always does her work well

5. We watched the woman’s hands as she quickly and _ wove

a small basket

6. The crown is made of _ metal

7. Mei signed her name in large letters and with a great _

8. The puppies began to _ up to their mother in order to get warm

9. Shiveh dug up a _ of an old pottery jar

10. Only a single _ remained in the fire

Listed below are some useful words from the literature selection Say each word to yourself.

massive fragment wistfully deftly ceremoniously

flourish nestle earnest precious ember

Key Information

Use with Unit 3, pp 142–148.

■ A Understanding Words Through Contrast

Write a word from the list that has a meaning nearly opposite the meaning of eachword below Use a dictionary if necessary

10. a weak expression of a truth or emotion

Listed below are some useful words from the literature selection Say each word to yourself descend illuminate singe presence component emit comprehend obscure glinting understatement

Key Information

Use with Unit 4, pp 188–192.

■ A Relating Known and Unknown Words

Match each word below with a synonym from the list Use a dictionary if necessary

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Complete each sentence with a word from the list You may need to change the form of

the word Use a dictionary if you need one

1. Everyone who got caught in the _ was completely soaked

2. Felicia was the only _ of the pre-Olympic training course

3. The slow movement of the huge mobile _ visitors, holding them

spellbound

4. The audience was entertained by the _ tale of gargoyles and giants

5. Earl took off the sunglasses that rubbed against his _

6. The horses were _ by flies and mosquitoes

7. A summer of good weather brought _ to the hard-working rancher

8. Mrs Gadski dreamed of traveling _ one day

9. When the baby touched the bubble, it _

10. A _ silence fell over the crowd when the bad news was announced

Listed below are some useful words from the literature selection Say each word to yourself.

bewitch temple tormented abroad vanish

downpour somber survivor fantastic prosperity

Key Information

Use with Unit 5, pp 248–254.

■ A Word Association

Complete each word group by writing a word from the list above that is closely ated with the other words or phrases Use a dictionary if necessary

associ-1. water, desert, life _

2. water, hot, erupt _

3. categories, divide, list _

4. breaking, loss, ruin _

5. similar, plants, animals _

■ B Rewriting Sentences

Rewrite each sentence using one of the words from the list Use a dictionary if necessary

1. In a rain forest the tops of the tallest trees provide homes for many species

2. Some organisms are not visible to the naked eye

3. Scientists can now study and learn about topics that have never been studied before

4. A scientist who studies insects must do extensive field work

5. Scientists make informed guesses that there are thirty million species of insects

in the world _

Listed below are some useful words from the literature selection Say each word to yourself investigate oasis estimate species microscopic destruction canopy classify geyser entomologist

Key Information

Use with Unit 6, pp 298–302.

■ A Recognizing Definitions

Write the phrase from each group that matches the meaning of each underlined word

Use a dictionary if necessary

1. anonymous: without a name; unwanted or unloved; poorly written

2. curtail: to put on a show; to put an end to; to test

3. illiteracy: not getting exercise; not having food; not being able to read or write

4. relentless: without permission; without a penny; persistent

5. inundate: to flood; to repair; to create once again

■ B Relating Words and Examples

Write a sentence that gives an example of each of the following:

1. Something that might be imposed

2. Merchandise you might purchase at a department store

3. A priority you have on weekday mornings

4. An innovative machine or tool

5. Something you or a friend must endure

Listed below are some useful words from the literature selection Say each word to yourself.

relentless imposed inundate anonymous endure

merchandise curtail priority innovative illiteracy

Key Information

■ A Word Meanings from Definition Clues

Use the context clues in each sentence to figure out the meaning of the underlinedword On the line write a definition in your own words

1. Alicia was afraid to broach the subject; that is, she did not want to bring it up

2. Roosevelt was a blunt person; that is, he said what he thought without ever holding back

3. The road meanders, or winds, because it follows the river

4. The United States enjoyed great prosperity during the 1920s, which means thatmost people’s standard of living rose

■ B Using Context Clues to Make Meaning Clear

Write a sentence using each of the following words Use a definition or restatementclue to make the meaning of the word clear Use a dictionary if you need to, but statethe definition in your own words

1. blatant

2. err

When you come to an unfamiliar word in your reading, you often can figure out what it means by looking at the surrounding words, or the context Sometimes the meaning of the unfamiliar word is stated in the same sentence, as in this example.

The counterpane, or bedspread, was handmade.

The word or is a clue that a restatement or definition of the word follows You can use this

clue to figure out that a counterpane is a bedspread Below are some examples of clue words that signal definition.

Key Information

■ A Word Meanings from Example Clues

Use the examples in each of the following sentences to figure out the meaning of the

underlined word Circle the clue that signals an example Then write what you think

the underlined word means

1. Some habitats, such as the plains that provided food and shelter for many species

of small animals, are disappearing rapidly

2. His diet was low in nutrients; for example, he ate no fruits or vegetables yesterday

3. The performance was nearly inaudible at times; for instance, we couldn’t hear the

actor who played the police officer in the first act

4. My neighbor is excessively polite; for example, she thanked me six times for

help-ing her carry the groceries in from her car

■ B Using Example Clues to Make Meaning Clear

Complete each sentence below by giving an example to make the meaning of the

underlined word clear Use a dictionary as needed

1. Juan was known for his crazy exploits, such as

2. Paula seemed to be having a relapse; for example, she

3. The food was enough to feed a multitude of guests; for instance,

When you come to an unfamiliar word in your reading, you often can figure out what it

means by looking at the surrounding words, or the context Sometimes the meaning of the

unfamiliar word is explained by an example, as in the following sentence.

Many reptiles, such as lizards and snakes, live in the desert.

The clue in this sentence is such as; it tells you that an example follows You can then figure

out that reptiles are a kind of animal and that snakes and lizards are kinds of reptiles The

following clue words are often used with examples:

Key Information

■ A Relating Familiar and Unfamiliar Words

In the following sentences circle the clue word that signals a comparison On the linewrite the underlined word and its meaning

1. Dr DiMenna told me she had to extract one wisdom tooth; she said, too, that shemight have to take out another tooth later

2. Fred was eavesdropping on my telephone conversation; similarly, he listened to aprivate discussion between Grace and Jade

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Complete each sentence to show the meaning of the underlined word by providing acomparison clue You may use a dictionary if necessary

1. Our volunteer program has a new slogan; similarly, the school crafts club is writing

2. The tray of sandwiches was tantalizing; but then, too, the appetizers, fruit, and cold drinks looked

3. His plan to bodysurf in Lake Ontario seems absurd; his talk about buying his own sports car is _ too

4. The old country houses had thatched roofs; similarly, some houses built in early America had roofs made of _

When you come across an unfamiliar word in your reading, you often can figure out what it means by considering the context Sometimes the unfamiliar word is similar in meaning to another word or phrase in the sentence.

There were snacks galore at the picnic; similarly, there were a great many sandwiches and

an abundance of fruit.

The clue in the sentence is the word similarly It tells you that galore, a great many, and

abundance have meanings that are somewhat alike The comparison clue helps you compare

an unfamiliar word with a word or phrase you already know Here are some words writers use to show comparison.

Key Information

■ A Using Comparison Clues for Word Meanings

In the following sentences underline the clue word that shows a comparison On the

line, write the underlined word and its meaning

1. Wearing ties is a new trend among the boys in our class, as wearing skirts has

become the practice among the girls.

2. The meat had no flavor, and the soup was just as bland

3. Sarah’s woeful expression resembled the sad face of a child who has lost a toy

4. We received numerous phone calls about the lost dog; our neighbors also received

many calls

5. Yaeko compelled her horse to walk slowly, just as she had earlier forced it to stand

quietly _

■ B Using Context Clues to Make Meaning Clear

Write a sentence using each of the numbered words Use the clue word in parentheses

to introduce a comparison that makes the meaning of the word clear Use a dictionary

if necessary

1. gaudy (similarly)

2. legible (likewise)

3. weary (also)

When you come across an unfamiliar word, look at the context Often the context contains

clues to the word’s meaning Sometimes the context contains comparison clues, such as

■ A Relating Known and Unknown Words

In the following sentences circle the clue word that shows contrast On the line writethe underlined word and its meaning

1. Ben was wan and tired, but Sarah’s color was healthy

2. Most people are made unhappy by ridicule; on the other hand, they feel supported when taken seriously

3. Some want to tear down the old station; on the other hand, Ms Woo wants to preserve it

4. Diane said that deer would be visible, but I was unable to see any

■ B Using Words in Context

Complete each sentence with a word or phrase that shows the meaning of the lined word by providing a contrast clue Use a dictionary as needed

under-1. Alleah liked to dress in vivid colors; her sister, on the other hand, preferred colors that are

2. The cafeteria was _, but the lakefrontwas calm and serene

3. Mrs Jefferson grieved when her family left the old house, but the children were

4. Sometimes the water from the tap is scalding; on the other hand, it can

When you read an unfamiliar word, you often can figure out what it means by looking at the context Sometimes the unfamiliar word is contrasted with a word or phrase that has the opposite meaning.

At the equator it was a sultry day, but in Ottawa it was cold and dry.

The clue in this sentence is the word but, which tells you that sultry means something ent from cold and dry This comparison clue helps you contrast the unfamiliar word with the

differ-familiar words or phrases in the sentence Here are some words writers use to show contrast.

on the other hand but

Key Information

■ A Using Contrast Clues for Word Meanings

In the following sentences circle the word that shows contrast On the line write the

underlined word and its meaning

1. Today the lake looks placid; however, it was choppy yesterday

2. It can be beneficial to exercise; it can be harmful to exercise too much, however

3. Friday’s dinner was meager, unlike today’s meal, which was a feast

4. Unlike the Yins, who travel frequently, our family seldom goes anywhere

5. Gina is usually very candid; she was secretive about the surprise party, however

■ B Using Context Clues

Write a sentence for each of the numbered words Use the contrast clue in parentheses

to help make the meaning clear You may consult a dictionary if necessary

1. conscientious (unlike)

2. logical (however)

3. immature (however)

You often can figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word by looking at the context.

Sometimes the writer contrasts the unfamiliar word with something familiar A sentence may

contain contrast clues, such as the following:

unlike however

These clues can tell you that the unfamiliar word is different from or opposite to another

word or phrase in the sentence.

Key Information

■ A Figuring Out Word Meanings Using Cause-and-Effect Clues

In the following sentences circle the words that show a cause-and-effect relationship

On the line write the underlined word and its meaning

1. The training classes were demanding; as a result, everyone was very tired

2. We had only a crude map; therefore, we could not find the dirt road to the house

3. Milton was in dire need of help because he missed a month of school while he was ill

4. The new law states that all drivers take a road test; therefore, you are not exemptjust because you drove in another country

■ B Using Context Clues to Make Meaning Clear

Write a sentence for each of the following words Use the cause-and-effect clue inparentheses to make the meaning of the word clear Use a dictionary as needed

1. objected (therefore)

2. deceived (as a result)

You often can figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word by looking at the familiar words around it In the following sentence a clue word can help you figure out the mean-

ing of inferred.

Because the hall was empty, we inferred the concert had been cancelled.

The clue word is because It tells you that a cause-and-effect statement is being made.

Inferred means “arrived at a conclusion based on evidence.” Some clue words that show

cause and effect are listed below:

because as a result therefore

Key Information

■ A Analyzing Vocabulary Through Cause and Effect

Read each sentence, and think about the meaning of the underlined word Look for

context clues that can help you On the line tell the meaning in your own words

1. Maxine Yazzi was startled by our knock, since she wasn’t expecting visitors

2. The car stopped suddenly, which resulted in a screeching of brakes

3. He couldn’t concentrate with the constant blaring of horns; consequently, he

closed the windows to block out the harsh sounds

4. Anna christened the boat, since it needed a new name to match its new paint

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Write a sentence to show the meaning of the underlined word Use a cause-and-effect

clue You may use a dictionary if you wish

1. Since the dark cave was so eerie, we didn’t stay in it long

2. Since Marina’s driver’s license would not be valid until the new year, she couldn’t

drive her family to the December carnival

You often can figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word by looking at the context In the

following sentence, the clue word since signals a cause-and-effect relationship This can help

you determine the meaning of the word transparent.

Since a part of the tent wall was transparent, we could watch the forest animals from

inside the tent.

The clue word is since It tells you a cause-and-effect statement is being made.

Transparent means “clear” or “see-through.” Most window glass is transparent.

Below are some clue words that may signal cause-and-effect statements.

resulted since consequently

Key Information

■ A Making Inferences About Words

Use the information in the table above to answer the following questions

1. Why is the material used in pencils called graphite?

2. Why is a process controlled by computers called automation?

3. Is a scientist who studies the biota investigating plants and animals or rocks andminerals? How do you know?

4. People often say that our society is mobile What do you think that means?

5. Each bus follows a route At what point on the route is the terminal?

■ B Using Words in Sentences

Complete each sentence using a word from the list below Refer to the dictionary

as needed

terminated automation calligraphy

1. The art of beautiful handwriting is called

2. The builders their outdoor work when the weather grew too cold

3. Robots that assemble parts by themselves have enabled factories to turn to

The root, or main part of a word, gives the word its basic meaning Many words are made

up of more than one root These word parts, like those below, combine to create a new word with a new meaning.

auto self automatic operating by itself

graph written geography written information about earth mobil move mobility state of being movable

Key Information

■ A Identifying Roots

Circle the root shared by each set of words (Note that the spelling of a root may vary

somewhat.) Then write the meaning of the root

1. dictionary, dictation, predictable

2. visualize, television, video

3. cyclone, cyclical, cyclist

■ B Rewriting Sentences

Rewrite the following sentences by replacing the underlined word or group of words

with a word from the list below Use a dictionary as needed

superscript microscope chronic

1. The scientist frequently used the instrument for seeing things that are too tiny to

be seen unaided

2. The number two in 42= 16 is a number written above another character

3. She has allergies that are occurring all the time Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Many words are made up of more than one root The meanings of the word parts combine

to give meaning to the new word Notice that the spelling of roots may change when they

are used in words.

chron time chronometer instrument for measuring time

dict say, tell predict tell a future event

cycle circle unicycle vehicle with one wheel

scope seeing telescope instrument for seeing distant objects

script write script written text for a performance

vis, vid see vision ability to see, thing seen

Key Information

■ B Using Words Correctly

Complete each sentence, using one of the following words Refer to a dictionary

if necessary

illiterate untidy subterranean

1. The playroom was neat now, but for a long time it had been dusty and very

2. The owner of that store cannot read English, but she does read Russian, so she is not

3. We walked down so many steps to reach the computer center that I thought we

A prefix is a word part that is added to the beginning of a root Sometimes a prefix can change the meaning of the root or even reverse its meaning.

un- not, opposite of unclean not clean il- not, opposite of illogical not logical

super- above, beyond superhuman beyond human sub- under, beneath subsoil soil beneath the surface

Key Information

■ A Linking Words and Definitions

Write the word from the list below that could be used to describe each of the

follow-ing Refer to a dictionary if necessary

semiconscious biped unity bifocals tripod

1. eyeglasses containing lenses with two focal lengths

4. the state of being one

5. a two-footed animal

■ B Making Meaning Clear

Complete each sentence so that the meaning of the underlined word is clear Refer to a

dictionary as needed

1. Henry, who is bilingual, can _

2. My family is unique in that _

3. The trio consisted of _

4. The ranch is in a semiarid region, which has

5. In geometry we learned to bisect

Prefixes come at the beginning of a word They change the meaning of the word Some

pre-fixes show number or tell how many.

semi- half, partly semicircle half circle

Key Information

■ B Forming Words with Suffixes

Make a new word by adding the suffix -ship, -ness, or -hood to each of the following

words Write the meaning of each new word you form Use a dictionary as needed

A suffix is a word part added at the end of a root Adding a suffix often changes a word’s

part of speech as well as its meaning The suffixes -ship and -hood may be added to some nouns; -ness is added to adjectives.

-ship state of leadership state of being a leader -hood state of womanhood state of being a woman -ness state of cheerfulness state of being cheerful

Key Information

■ A Linking Words and Definitions

Use the following words to form new words that match each definition below Form

the new words by adding suffixes from the chart above Use a dictionary if necessary

1. like a clumsy person _

2. relating to a section of the country _

3. one who creates art _

4. one who plays a musical instrument _

5. relating to a country _

■ B Making Inferences About Words

Answer each question with yes or no Then explain your answer Use a dictionary

if necessary

Example: Can the blade of a knife become dullish?

Response: Yes, if it is not sharpened.

1. Can a white sheet become grayish?

2. Is someone from Chile a Brazilian?

3. Is someone who knows one thing very well a specialist?

4. Could a storm that forms in Alaska be tropical?

5. Is the player in the last game of a tournament a finalist?

A suffix is a word part added at the end of a root Adding a suffix changes a word’s

mean-ing The following suffixes mean “one who,” “related to,” “somewhat,” or “like.”

-ian related to Hawaiian of or from Hawaii

-ish related to, somewhat, like childish like a child

-al related to tribal relating to a tribe

Key Information

■ A Linking Words and Definitions

The pairs of words below are synonyms Add one more synonym to each group Use athesaurus for help

■ A Building Groups of Synonyms

Use a dictionary or thesaurus to find a synonym for each of the listed words Choose

the synonym that includes the description in parentheses Write it on the line

1. greeting (in military style)

2. laugh (in a silly way)

3. strange (in the sense of new)

4. cry (with short, gasping breaths)

5. feel (to view in a certain way)

■ B Using Precise Synonyms in Context

Cross out each underlined word, and write a synonym for that word on the line Be sure

the synonym has the precise meaning the sentence requires

1. We sang as we brought in the last of the crops

2. The coach kept track of Aki’s progress as

a hockey player

3. As the movie begins, a shifty character rides into town

4. The Ramirez baby wore a dainty pink dress

5. Josh was criticized for coming late

6. Mr Donato showed us a real Roman coin

7. Katie was furious that she had been left behind

8. Jake gave us each a tiny sample of the bread

Synonyms often do not have exactly the same meaning For example, smile and smirk are

synonyms, but their meanings differ Smile is a general term for a pleasant facial expression,

whereas smirk is an annoying smile When you write, use synonyms carefully Select the word

whose meaning is most precise.

Key Information