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

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What is an affix in linguistics?

  1. A type of sentence structure

  2. A bound morpheme added to root words

  3. A form of language bias

  4. A synonym for subject

The correct answer is: A bound morpheme added to root words

An affix in linguistics refers to a bound morpheme that is attached to a root word to modify its meaning or grammatical function. Affixes can be classified into several types, including prefixes, which are added to the beginning of a root word, and suffixes, which are added to the end. For example, in the word "unhappiness," the prefix "un-" modifies the meaning of the root word "happy," and the suffix "-ness" turns the adjective "happy" into a noun, indicating a state or quality. Understanding affixes is crucial for language learners and educators in the field of ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) because they play a significant role in word formation, allowing for a richer and more nuanced vocabulary. By mastering the use of affixes, learners can expand their ability to express ideas more precisely and understand more complex language structures.