MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

Why is understanding prefixes and suffixes important in reading?

1. It limits comprehension to just the root words

2. It enhances the ability to infer meanings of unfamiliar words

3. It focuses solely on definitions from the dictionary

4. It simplifies the reading process

The correct answer is: It enhances the ability to infer meanings of unfamiliar words

Understanding prefixes and suffixes is essential in reading because it enhances the ability to infer meanings of unfamiliar words. Prefixes are added to the beginning of a root word, and suffixes are added to the end, both of which can modify the word’s meaning significantly. By recognizing these components, readers can break down complex words into more manageable parts and deduce their meanings even if they have never encountered them before. For instance, knowing that the prefix "un-" typically indicates negation allows a reader to understand that "unhappy" means "not happy," despite potentially not knowing the word "unhappy" ahead of time. Similarly, suffixes like "-able" can suggest an ability, meaning that if a reader encounters the word "manageable," they can infer that it relates to something that can be managed. This skill is especially valuable in academic texts or literature, where new vocabulary is frequently introduced. Being able to infer meanings improves overall comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and reading fluency. In contrast, focusing solely on root words, dictionary definitions, or simplifying the reading process might limit the breadth of understanding and discourage engagement with complex texts.