Boxi Learn › English › Stage 2 · Models and Patterns
Build a word from parts
EN-2 Words come in partsX-1 Guess, then check
What many people think
Long words are hard because each one must be learnt as a whole.
The idea
A long word is often a root with parts added: prefixes change the meaning (un- = not, re- = again), suffixes mostly change the word class (-ness → noun, -ful/-less → adjective, -ly → adverb).
Explain it
A friend says long English words must be memorised letter by letter. Take carelessness and show them how to read it from its parts.
Try at home
Write un-, re-, -ful, -less, -ness and -ly on sticky notes. Find root words in a book (help, kind, play…), stick the parts on, say the new word, and check a dictionary: is it real?