English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Words with pre-
Words with pre-
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the prefix 'pre-' in various words.
Define the meaning of the prefix 'pre-' as 'before' or 'in front of'.
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar words containing 'pre-' by analyzing the prefix and root word.
Use context clues to confirm the meaning of 'pre-' words in sentences.
Construct sentences using 'pre-' words correctly and effectively.
Explain how understanding prefixes like 'pre-' can improve vocabulary and reading comprehension.
Recognize how 'pre-' words can be used to describe events happening before others, aiding in sequencing and understanding arguments.
Have you ever wondered why we say 'pre-order' a game or 'pre-heat' an ov...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PrefixA word part added to the beginning of a root word to change its meaning.The prefix 'un-' in 'unhappy' changes 'happy' to its opposite.
Root WordThe basic part of a word that carries the main meaning. It can stand alone or have prefixes/suffixes added.The root word 'happy' in 'unhappy' means feeling or showing pleasure.
'pre-'A common prefix that consistently means 'before' or 'in front of'.'Pre-game' means 'before the game'.
EtymologyThe study of the origin and history of words. Understanding etymology helps us understand prefixes.The prefix 'pre-' comes from the Latin word 'prae', which means 'before'.
Context CluesHints within a se...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Consistent Meaning of 'pre-'
The prefix 'pre-' consistently means 'before' or 'in front of'.
This rule helps you quickly grasp the core meaning of many words. For example, a 'pre-test' is a test taken *before* the main test, and to 'precede' means to come *before* something else.
Combining 'pre-' with Root Words
'pre-' usually attaches directly to a root word to form a new word, often without a hyphen.
Most of the time, 'pre-' joins seamlessly with the root word (e.g., 'predict', 'prepare', 'preview'). However, sometimes a hyphen is used for clarity, especially if the root word starts with the same letter (like 'pre-eminent') or is a proper no...
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Challenging
Read the paragraph: 'The outcome of the election felt predetermined. Weeks before the vote, polls consistently showed one candidate with a massive lead. The final results, therefore, surprised no one.' How does the author's use of 'predetermined' support the argument that the result was not a surprise?
A.It suggests the election was exciting and unpredictable.
B.It establishes that the result was decided or known *before* the actual event took place.
C.It implies that the election process was unfair.
D.It shows that the author did not care about the election's outcome.
Challenging
A classmate argues that the word 'present' (as in a gift) must use the prefix 'pre-' because you give it *before* it is opened. Based on your knowledge of word analysis, why is this argument flawed?
A.The argument is correct because 'pre-' always means before.
B.The argument is flawed because 'sent' is not a meaningful root word in this context.
C.The argument is correct because a present is given in front of someone.
D.The argument is flawed because 'present' comes from a single Latin root meaning 'to be at hand' and is not a combination of a prefix and a root.
Challenging
Imagine you are writing a story. A character is carefully checking their backpack before a long hike to make sure they have a map, water, and a first-aid kit. Which 'pre-' word most precisely describes their actions?
A.Precaution
B.Prediction
C.Pretense
D.Preconception
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