New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

How is knowledge of roots and affixes connected to reading comprehension?

1. It improves writing skills

2. It enhances guessing and self-correction strategies

3. It decreases the use of context clues

4. It focuses solely on vocabulary memorization

The correct answer is: It enhances guessing and self-correction strategies

Knowledge of roots and affixes significantly contributes to reading comprehension by enhancing guessing and self-correction strategies. Understanding these elements allows readers to break down unfamiliar words into recognizable parts, making it easier to decipher their meanings. For example, if a reader encounters the word "unhappiness," they can analyze the prefix "un-" (indicating negation) and the root word "happy," allowing them to infer that the word relates to the opposite of happiness. This process not only aids in understanding the specific word but also empowers readers to make educated guesses about other unfamiliar words with similar structures. When readers can identify roots and affixes, they are more equipped to self-correct when they misinterpret or misread a word. This skill facilitates a smoother reading experience, as readers become adept at adjusting their understanding based on the structural clues within the text. Overall, knowledge of roots and affixes enhances a reader's ability to comprehend and engage with the material more effectively.