1. affix, prefix, root, suffix
Introduction to STEMS
affix, prefix, root, suffix

2. Why Study Prefixes, Word Roots, and Suffixes?
Knowing the "building blocks" of the English language - prefixes, root words, and suffixes - helps you to understand a word's meaning and spelling convention.
Both prefixes and suffixes are considered affixes.

3. English is a Living Language!
One way that new words come into the language is when words are borrowed from other languages. New words are also created when words or word elements, such as prefixes, roots, and suffixes, are combined in new ways.
Often you can guess the meaning of an unfamiliar word if you know the meaning of its parts…the root and any prefixes or suffixes that are attached to it.

4. STEM
A stem is part of a word. It carries the basic meaning of the word; it is the form of a word to which affixes (prefixes and suffixes) can be attached.

5. Affix
An affix is a set of letters that is added to a root and makes a new word with a new meaning.
Both prefixes and suffixes are considered affixes.

6. Prefix A prefix is affixed before a base/root word or word stem.
Pre is a prefix. Pre means before in time, place, or order.
Example: Preheat = to heat before

7. Root
A root is the most basic form of a word that is able to convey a description, thought, or meaning.
Unsightly can be broken down into parts:
Un = prefix (un = not)
Sight = root or base word
Ly = suffix (ly = like and manner of)

8. Suffix A suffix is affixed after a base/root word or word stem.
Example:
Dark = base/root word or word stem
Ness = suffix (=state of, condition of)

9. SL Note Card Format (Front/Back)
SL # Your Initials
Stem
Front
Stem’s meaning
Back

10. SL Note Card Sample (Front/Back)
SL Intro. CC
Affix
Front
A set of letters that is added to a root
and makes a new word with a new meaning
Back

11. STEMS Introductory Terms
Pre-test

12. 1. Prefixes and suffixes are both ____________?

13. 2. What is affixed AFTER a base/root word or word stem?

14. 3. What is affixed BEFORE a base/root word or word stem?

15. 4. What is THE MOST BASIC FORM OF A WORD that is able to convey a meaning?

16. 5. What is a set of letters that is added to a root?

17. dishonorable 6. prefix – 7. root – 8. suffix –
Break this word into parts:
dishonorable 6. prefix – 7. root – 8. suffix –

18. 9. All STEMS have meanings: True or False?

19. 10. Why is it important to learn/study STEMS?

20. STEMS Introductory Terms
Pre-test Answers

21. 1. Prefixes and suffixes are both ____________?
affixes

22. 2. What is affixed AFTER a base/root word or word stem?
suffix

23. 3. What is affixed BEFORE a base/root word or word stem?
prefix

24. 4. What is THE MOST BASIC FORM OF A WORD that is able to convey a meaning?
root

25. 5. What is a set of letters that is added to a root?
affix

26. dishonorable 6. prefix – 7. root – 8. suffix –
Break this word into parts:
dishonorable 6. prefix – 7. root – 8. suffix –
dis/honor/able

27. 9. All STEMS have meanings: True or False?

28. 10. Why is it important to learn/study STEMS?
figure out word meanings

29. Tomorrow, you will EARN your first quiz grade!  Study 
Well, how did you do?
A perfect pretest = +5 on the quiz!
Tomorrow, you will EARN your first quiz grade!  Study 