Class: Basic 5

Subject: Verbal Reasoning

Topic: Prefixes and Suffixes

A.) A prefix is a letter or group of letters placed in front of another word to change it meaning.

Examples of common prefixes are: a-, ab-, ante-, anti-, ex-, mal-, pre-, bi-, con-, sub-, di-, uni-, etc.

ab + normal = abnormal

ex + hale = exhale

tri + angle = triangle

ante + natal = ante-natal

re + produce = reproduce

IL + legal = illegal

Dis + appear = disappear

Mis + fortune = Misfortune

B.) Suffixes:

A suffix is a letter or group of letters placed at the end of a word to change its meaning. When a sufgix is added, it can change the word from one part of speech to another.

I. Some suffixes make the new words become adjectives. E.g. – ary, – ery, -en, – ish, – less, – ous

For example: dangerous, useless,

II. Those which make the words turn into verbs include: – ing, – ed, – en, – ure, -ize. Examples are nationalize, lighten, directed, etc.

III. Suffixes which turn words into nouns include: -or, – ar, – er, – ship, – hood, – ment, – tion. Examples are punishment, friendship, childhood, etc.

Do the following exercise:

1.) Complete the following by adding the correct prefixes: ( dis, ex, il, mis, im, un, ir, fore, de, in)

a.) ______port

b.) ______qualify

c.) ______safe

d.) ______courage

e.) ______happy

f.) ______literate

g.) _____visible

h.) _____throne

2.) Complete the following by supplying suitable suffixes using these:- ( ful, ness, able, less, ment, ant, al,)

a.) accident = ________________________

b.) judge = ________________________

c.) defend = ________________________

d.) refuse = ________________________

e.) hope = ________________________

f.) use = ________________________

✅ Primary 5 Verbal Reasoning Lesson Note – Third Term

Topic: Prefixes and Suffixes

Class: Basic 5 | Subject: Verbal Reasoning | Term: 3rd Term
Duration: 40 minutes
Theme: Vocabulary Development
Keyword Focus: prefixes, suffixes, Primary 5 verbal reasoning, vocabulary building, Lagos Scheme of Work

🎯 Behavioural Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Define prefixes and suffixes clearly.

2. Identify common prefixes and suffixes in given words.

3. Add appropriate prefixes or suffixes to root words to form new words.

4. Distinguish how prefixes and suffixes change meaning or part of speech.

🧠 Entry Behaviour

Pupils can read simple words and understand basic vocabulary.

📚 Instructional Materials

• Flashcards

• Word strips

• Marker board or digital board

• Prefix/suffix chart

👩‍🏫 Lesson Development

A. 🌟 What is a Prefix?

A prefix is a letter or group of letters added before a word to change its meaning.

🧪 Examples of Common Prefixes:

re-, dis-, un-, il-, ex-, mis-, in-, im-, fore-, de-, pre-, sub-, anti-

✅ Words with Prefixes:

• dis + appear = disappear

• un + happy = unhappy

• il + legal = illegal

• re + write = rewrite

• fore + tell = foretell

• de + value = devalue

B. 🌟 What is a Suffix?

A suffix is a letter or group of letters added after a word to form a new word or change its part of speech.

🧪 Types of Suffixes and Examples:

I. Adjective Suffixes:

-ous, -less, -ish, -en, -ary, -able

• dangerous, useless, childish, wooden, advisable

II. Verb Suffixes:

-ing, -ed, -ize, -en, -ure

• talking, lighten, nationalize, cured

III. Noun Suffixes:

-ment, -tion, -er, -or, -ship, -hood, -al

• punishment, friendship, driver, arrival

📝 Classroom Activities

🔤 Activity A: Add the Correct Prefix

Choose from these: dis, ex, il, mis, im, un, ir, fore, de, in

Complete the following:

1. ______port

2. ______qualify

3. ______safe

4. ______courage

5. ______happy

6. ______literate

7. ______visible

8. ______throne

🔤 Activity B: Add the Correct Suffix

Choose from these: ful, ness, able, less, ment, ant, al

Complete the following:

1. accident = ___________________

2. judge = ___________________

3. defend = ___________________

4. refuse = ___________________

5. hope = ___________________

6. use = ___________________

🧩 Teacher–Pupil Interaction

✅ Evaluation Questions

1. What is a prefix?

2. What is a suffix?

3. Add a prefix to the word “safe”.

4. Add a suffix to the word “hope”.

5. What does the prefix “dis-” do to the meaning of a word?

🧠 FAQs

Q1: Can a word have both a prefix and a suffix?
Yes. Example: unhappiness = un- (prefix) + happy + -ness (suffix)

Q2: Which is correct — judgement or judgment?
Both are correct. Judgement (British), judgment (American)

Q3: How do prefixes and suffixes help in comprehension?
They help pupils decode meanings and expand vocabulary faster.