Word formation & register

Senior High 6 questions

What word formation & register means

You learn how words change form when prefixes and suffixes are added. You also choose the word that fits a formal, neutral, or informal context, so your writing and answers sound accurate.

What you will practise

Add prefixes to make negative or opposite meanings.
Use suffixes to change verbs into nouns and other forms.
Choose the word that matches the register of the sentence.
Spot the correct form of a word in a given context.

Before you start

You should already know common English words and their meanings. It also helps if you can tell nouns, verbs, and adjectives apart.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

Add a prefix to “possible” to mean “not possible”.

un-
im-
dis-
re-

Answer: im-

Working: The correct negative prefix here is “im-”, giving “impossible”.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using the wrong prefix for a negative meaning, such as choosing one that does not fit the base word.
Changing a verb into the wrong noun form, instead of checking how the spelling changes.
Picking a word that sounds natural but does not match the register of the sentence.
Ignoring the context and answering from memory instead of reading the whole sentence carefully.

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES SHS syllabusWASSCE

This kind of work normally appears in SHS English language lessons on lexis and structure, where learners build vocabulary and sentence accuracy. It also supports WASSCE preparation because questions often test word formation and appropriate word choice in context.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.