NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What does the identification of a word's root help with in language learning?

1. Understanding basic sentence structure

2. Building new words through affixes

3. Improving spelling skills

4. Enhancing auditory skills

The correct answer is: Building new words through affixes

Identifying a word's root is crucial in language learning because it serves as the foundational element from which additional words can be formed by adding affixes, such as prefixes and suffixes. This process not only helps learners expand their vocabulary significantly but also fosters an understanding of how different words relate to one another. For example, knowing the root “act” allows learners to recognize related words like “action,” “actor,” or “react,” each of which maintains a connection to the original meaning. This morphological knowledge equips students with the tools to deduce meanings of unfamiliar words, broadening their linguistic capabilities effectively.