Code of the Roots Answer Key

This worksheet transforms Greek and Latin root learning into a code-breaking exercise. Students decode “root phrases” (e.g., geo + logy = study of the earth) and translate them into complete English words, then explain how each root contributes to overall meaning. The scaffolded format encourages inferential reasoning, helping learners connect linguistic form and function. By working through root combinations like photo + graph or aqua + duct, students see how ancient linguistic elements generate modern terminology across multiple fields. The optional challenge section extends learning through sentence creation, reinforcing comprehension through contextual application. This task turns morphology into an investigative, applied language study that cultivates curiosity and mastery.

Skills Aligned To Curriculum

Word Construction through Root Combination

Etymological Decoding and Inference

Contextual Vocabulary Application

Cross-Curricular Word Meaning Analysis (Science, Geography, and Language Arts)