2.2 More about words

Find the meanings of the following words in your dictionary. Note the spelling .

Activity 2:

Prefixes

[lo 6.8, 6.9]

• Prefixes and suffixes are word-parts which are added to words. A prefix is added at the beginning of a word. It changes the meaning or makes a new word. If you use these word-parts correctly, you can extend your vocabulary and improve your spelling.
• Some useful prefixes are –

The prefix bi - means two. The answers to the clues below all start with bi- . e.g. a vehicle with two wheels is a bi__________________

Answer: bicycle

1. If you can speak two languages fluently, you are bi______________

2. An instrument with two lenses (one for each eye), used to view distant objects is called bi____________________

3. A two -footed animal is a bi_________________________

4. A vehicle with two wheels is a bi____________________

What is the meaning of the prefix “bi”?

Fill in the meanings of the following prefixes. Do not write numerals!

Activity 3:

What is . . . slang?

[lo 3.3.1, 4.2]

Slang is informal language which is often used by a particular group, e.g. school children. Slang expressions, like fashions, come and go. Many drop out of use completely, e.g. my “china” (pal).

How many slang words can you think up for:

• money
• a good-looking girl
• a good-looking boy
• food

Activity 4: writing skills

To express what you know, think and feel is a skill which is precious.

[lo 4.4]

• People who write well are word-artists. It is an art to express your experiences, thoughts and feelings in words, on paper, so that your readers are touched and moved by what you say. Good writing takes time and effort. We experience the world around us through our senses. What we smell, see, hear, touch and taste. these all awaken responses which are very personal.
• You will need to wonder about words; to weigh them for meaning, flavour and colour in order to describe what and how you see and what and how you feel about the world around you.
• Spend time thinking before you start writing.
• Be content to write a thought down in many ways until you find the “proper words in the proper order in the proper place.”
• Your thoughts are worth it! They deserve your very best attention.
• Never forget that what you write will be read and enjoyed by others!

Read the following stanza from the poem:

I Remember ...

And that is almost all I can remember.

The house, the mountain, the grey cat on her knee,