English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Words with pre-
Words with pre-
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the prefix 'pre-' in unfamiliar words.
Define the common meaning of the prefix 'pre-' ('before').
Determine the meaning of a word containing 'pre-' by analyzing its root word.
Use context clues to confirm the meaning of words with 'pre-'.
Construct sentences using words with 'pre-' correctly.
Explain how the prefix 'pre-' can influence an author's purpose or message.
Have you ever wondered why we 'preheat' an oven or 'preview' a movie? 🤔 What do you think that 'pre-' part means?
In this lesson, you'll become a word detective, uncovering the power of the prefix 'pre-'. You'll learn how this tiny addition can unlock the mea...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PrefixA letter or group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning.In 'unhappy,' 'un-' is the prefix.
Root WordThe basic word to which a prefix or suffix is added. It carries the main meaning of the word.In 'preview,' 'view' is the root word.
Meaning of 'pre-'The prefix 'pre-' means 'before' or 'in advance of'.'Pre-game' means 'before the game'.
AffixA general term for a word part that is added to a root word to change its meaning or function. Prefixes and suffixes are both types of affixes.Prefixes like 'pre-' and suffixes like '-ing' are affixes.
Word AnalysisThe process of breaking down words into their parts (prefixes, roo...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The 'pre-' Meaning Rule
The prefix 'pre-' almost always means 'before' or 'in advance of'.
When you see 'pre-' at the beginning of a word, your first thought should be to connect it to something happening earlier in time or order.
Prefix Placement Rule
A prefix like 'pre-' is always attached to the beginning of a root word.
Prefixes are never found in the middle or at the end of a word. They always come first, directly before the root word.
Meaning Transformation Rule
Adding 'pre-' to a root word changes the root word's meaning to indicate something happening 'before' or 'in advance'.
Understand the root word first, then apply the 'before' meaning of 'pre-�...
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
An author writes, 'The captain took every precaution to ensure the ship's safety.' Why might the author choose the word 'precaution' instead of just saying 'took safety steps'?
A.To suggest the captain was not very careful.
B.To make the sentence shorter and easier to read.
C.To emphasize that the actions were taken thoughtfully and in advance of any potential danger.
D.To show that the safety steps were required by law.
Challenging
To avoid long lines on opening day, the amusement park decided to ______ tickets to members the week before the park opened to the public. Which word best completes the sentence?
A.pre-sell
B.predict
C.preface
D.prevent
Challenging
The tutorial notes that a word like 'present' can be tricky. Why is 'pre-' in 'present' (as in, to give a gift) NOT a clear example of the prefix meaning 'before' for a 6th grader's analysis?
A.Because 'sent' is not the correct root word.
B.Because 'present' can also be a noun.
C.Because the meaning 'to give before' does not fit the context of giving a gift.
D.All of the above.
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