Understanding word roots can really boost your vocabulary, especially in Grade 9.

When you learn about the main parts of words—like roots, prefixes, and suffixes—you pick up a helpful skill. This skill can help you learn new words. Here’s a simple guide on how this works:

What Are Word Roots?

Word roots are the main parts of many words. They often come from Latin or Greek and have clear meanings. For example:

• "Dict" means "to say." You can find this in words like "dictate" or "predict."
• "Graph" means "to write." It shows up in words like "autograph" or "biography."

Prefixes and Suffixes

Prefixes and suffixes are additional parts you add to roots to change their meanings. If you know common prefixes and suffixes, you can understand new words more easily. Here's a simple list:

Common Prefixes:

• "Un-" means "not," like in "unhappy."
• "Re-" means "again," like in "redo."
• "Pre-" means "before," like in "preview."

Common Suffixes:

• "-tion" means "the process of," like in "creation."
• "-able" means "capable of," like in "manageable."
• "-ology" means "the study of," like in "biology."

Improving Your Vocabulary

1. Figuring Out Words: When you see a new word like "reconstruct," break it down. The root "struct" means "to build," and the prefix "re-" means "again." So, "reconstruct" means building something again.

2. Expanding Your Knowledge: Knowing that "bio" means life helps you understand words like "biology," "biography," or "biodegradable." Each time you learn a new root, you can find many related words.

3. Better Spelling and Writing: Learning these parts also helps you spell and write better. You'll remember how to use words easier and choose the right prefixes and suffixes in your writing.

Learning about word roots can make your vocabulary stronger and help you feel more confident using English. So, when you come across a tricky word, remember: with roots, prefixes, and suffixes, you have the tools to figure it out!