Word Formation: Adjective Derivation 1

Starter

Show learners the first slide and the three sentences. Ask them to identify the adjectives and to think of an affix they could attach to each one to change the meaning. Show some possible solutions in the next slide and explain how, just like with nouns, we can use affixes to alter the meaning of adjectives. 

Activity 1

Show the learners the five sentences in the next slide. Ask learners to work in pairs or small groups to identify a prefix or suffix they can add to each adjective to alter the meaning. Ask learners to share their answers with the whole class before revealing the solution in the next slide. Accept any feasible alternatives e.g. yellowish

Activity 2

Next, show the learners two more suffixes: -ish and -ly and explain how they are used to show that the adjective indicates the qualities of the base noun with the two examples. Ask learners if they can think of any other examples of nouns that can be derived in the same way, and if they notice any pattern in their meaning. 

In the next slide, reveal the solution: adjectives formed with -ish have more negative connotations, while those with -ly are more positive. Next, ask learners to attempt the mix-and-match activity. Have them copy down the base words and suffixes, and then match the appropriate parts together. Ask them to compare with a partner before completing the activity as a whole class. Ask volunteers to come up to the white board to connect the words and suffixes. Drag and drop to connect, and double click to separate. Make note of the spelling changes in the next slide. 

To finish, as the learners to write at least seven sentences using the adjectives they formed in the previous activity. Have them share their sentences with a friend before sharing the best examples with the whole class. 

This lesson is adapted (with permission) from Words and Meanings: A Systematic Guide for the Teaching of English Vocabulary, by Gabriele Stein.

Welcome!

Englicious is totally free for everyone to use!

But in exchange, we ask that you register for an account on our site.

If you’ve already registered, you can log in straight away.

Since this is your first visit today, you can see this page by clicking the button below.

CLOSE