Root Words

The garage door opens when you press a button on the remote because it's automatic.

What does the word automatic mean in the sentence above?

• self-moving

• not working

• overweight

• tall in height

Our science class visited the hydroelectric dam outside of town to watch the power plant produce electricity.

What does the word hydroelectric mean in the sentence above?

• electric power from water

• electric power from the sun

• electric power from hot air

• electric power from fire

Thomas suffers from a phobia of spiders. Whenever he sees one he runs away screaming.

What does the word phobia mean in the sentence above?

• an allergy to poison

• a good attitude

• a severe fear

• a strong craving

Eugene did not want to miss any parts of the play, so he waited until there was an intermission to get a drink so he would not get thirsty during the rest of the performance.

An intermission is the period

• during acts in a play.

• before a play starts.

• between acts in a play.

• after a play is over.

Earth's biosphere includes the air that people breathe, the land on which they live, the rocks that cover the land, and the water that covers much of the earth's surface.

Using your knowledge of Greek and Latin roots, what is the meaning of the word biosphere in the passage above?

• a polluted part of the earth

• the earth's crust

• any self-regulating system

• the part of the earth where life exists

Plants use the process of photosynthesis to turn carbon dioxide, water, and minerals into the oxygen that we humans breathe.

Judging from your knowledge of Greek and Latin roots, you know that the word "photosynthesis" in the passage above has to do with

• Bacteria

• Minerals

• Pollution

• Light

Arthur Renway is considered one of the state's leaders known for his philanthropy.

(If "phil" means "love" and "anthro" means human)

In other words, Arthur Renway is

• one who loves peace.

• one who loves sleep.

• one who loves the Earth.

• one who loves his fellow humans.

The dialogue in the movie was hard to understand.

In other words, the movie

• had lights too dim to see

• written without light.

• had sounds too hard to hear.

• had words that were hard to understand.