MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

Which verb suffix best indicates a process of treatment or alteration?

1. -fy

2. -ize

3. -ate

4. -en

The correct answer is: -ize

The verb suffix that best indicates a process of treatment or alteration is -ize. This suffix is commonly used to form verbs that convey the idea of making, causing to be, or converting something into a certain state or condition. For example, in the word "modernize," it refers to the process of making something modern; similarly, "realize" involves bringing something into reality or making it real. In contrast, while -fy can also suggest transformation, it typically implies turning something into a particular state (like "simplify"), rather than a treatment process. The suffix -ate is used to create verbs that often imply an action or process but does not specifically denote treatment or alteration as strongly as -ize does. The suffix -en suggests the act of becoming or causing a change in state (as in "hasten"), but it is less frequently associated with treatment or alteration processes compared to -ize. Therefore, -ize is the best choice as it encapsulates the meaning of treating or altering something effectively.