MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

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Prepare for the MTEL Communication Literacy Skills Reading Test. Study with flashcards, questions, and hints to excel in your exam.

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What does the noun suffix -ness signify?

  1. Quality, state

  2. Act, condition, fact

  3. Action, state, result

  4. Position

The correct answer is: Quality, state

The suffix -ness is used to form nouns that denote a quality or state, typically derived from adjectives. By adding -ness to an adjective, you are transforming it into a noun that encapsulates the essence of that adjective. For example, "happy" becomes "happiness," which refers to the state of being happy, and "dark" transforms into "darkness," indicating the quality or state of being dark. This characteristic of -ness allows it to convey abstract concepts related to nature, feelings, or conditions, making it a potent tool for expressing various states or qualities in the English language. The other options focus on other aspects, such as action or position, which do not accurately capture the primary function of the suffix -ness.