New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What do roots in words provide information about?

1. The number of letters in the word

2. The parts of speech of words only

3. The meanings of entire word families

4. The length of the word

The correct answer is: The meanings of entire word families

Roots in words serve as the fundamental building blocks that convey the core meaning, forming the basis for understanding entire word families. When a root is identified, it allows learners to make connections between a word and its related forms, typically derived from the same root. For example, the root "ject" in words such as "project," "reject," and "inject" all share a common meaning related to throwing or casting. This insight enables learners to infer meanings of unfamiliar words based on their knowledge of the root, thereby expanding their vocabulary and comprehension. In contrast, other options focus on aspects that do not provide the same depth of meaning; counting letters or assessing length does not enhance understanding of word meanings, and while roots can suggest parts of speech, they do not exclusively indicate them. Thus, understanding word roots is key to grasping the meanings of entire word families.