MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

Which sentence best describes the function of a suffix?

1. It creates a new word by combining with a prefix

2. It alters the meaning of the root word

3. It serves as an independent part of speech

4. It provides context for the word

The correct answer is: It alters the meaning of the root word

The sentence that describes the function of a suffix correctly highlights that it alters the meaning of the root word. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a root word, which can change its grammatical function or its meaning. For instance, adding “-ly” to the adjective “quick” forms the adverb “quickly,” thus transforming how the word can be used in a sentence. This alteration can involve changing a word from one part of speech to another or fine-tuning its meaning to fit a different context. The other options do not accurately capture the primary role of a suffix. Combining a suffix with a prefix generally pertains to how words are constructed, but does not define the function of a suffix itself. While a suffix may provide context in conjunction with the root word it modifies, the main function is to alter meaning rather than provide general context. Additionally, a suffix is not considered an independent part of speech; it operates as an affix related to a root word. Therefore, the assertion that a suffix fundamentally alters the meaning of the root word is the most accurate description of its function.