Recognize and use prefixes inter- ('between, among'), pre- ('before'), dis- ('not, opposite of'), and mis- ('wrongly')
Exercise Difficulty 3 ~8 min eng.g3.s.ex_31

Prefix Detective

Prompt

Use the 3-step detective routine on 6 unfamiliar words (2 per prefix). FIND the prefix, FIND the root, PREDICT the meaning. Then check the dictionary. Words: interstate, international, prepay, prehistoric, dishonest, displace, misjudge, misspell.

M-3-S-EX-31 Illustration
Reference image of one detective row: word 'mismanage' shown with prefix MIS- circled, root MANAGE underlined, predicted

Reference image of one detective row: word 'mismanage' shown with prefix MIS- circled, root MANAGE underlined, predicted meaning 'to manage wrongly' written, dictionary meaning 'to manage badly or incorrectly' written below. Print-ready 8.5x11.

How it's presented
mode handwriting paper single line g3
Answer criteria
type rubric
criteria
  1. Each prefix identified
  2. Each root identified
  3. Predicted meaning written
  4. Dictionary meaning recorded (match or close)
Hints
  1. Strip the prefix first.
  2. Check if the remaining part is a known root.
Misconceptions to watch
  • Confuses dis- and mis-.
  • Strips a prefix that isn't actually there (pre- in 'pretty').
Used in lessons