Vocabulary Study: Use Word Origins: Greek, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon Roots
Academic Vocabulary

  • • origin (or-u-jin) noun The origin of something is its source or beginning.

Many English words have their origins in ancient languages.

RootMeaningRelated English Word
dem, Greekpeopledemocracy
chron, Greektimechronological
popul, Latinpeoplepopulation

Identify Word Origins Match each word from the selection with its correct origin. Then work with a partner to say a sentence using each word.

  • 1. legislative

  • 2. judicial

  • 3. constitution

  • 4. right

  • A. constitutere, Latin; to set up

  • B. riht, Anglo-Saxon; straight, direct

  • C. jud, Latin; judge

  • D. legis, Latin; law

Writing/Speaking: Compare Texts Across Time
SOCIAL SCIENCE

SOCIAL SCIENCE

Academic Vocabulary

  • • characteristic (kair-ik-tu-ris-tik) noun A characteristic is a specific feature or trait that helps you identify something.

How Has Writing Changed? Read the Preamble to the Constitution on page 508. Compare it to this preamble, written in 2008.

Preamble for the Constitution of the Westview Chess Club

The Westview Chess Club is a club for all who believe in fair play. Our mission is to create a community that has fun and treats all players with respect.

  • 1 Compare Text List the characteristics of both preambles. Discuss their similarities and differences with a partner.

  • 2 Rewrite Text Work with a partner to rewrite the Preamble in a more modern style. Take turns reading your versions of the Preamble to the class.