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Worksheet5th GradeLevel 2 · Standard

Free 5th Grade Root Words and Word Origins Worksheet

Students discover that many English words grow from Latin and Greek roots, such as struct (build), rupt (break) and aud (hear), and that English has borrowed words from languages all over the world. They match roots to meanings, use roots to work out new words and write their own word family.

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Grade
5th Grade
Subject
English
Topic
Vocabulary
Difficulty
Level 2 · Standard
Estimated time
25 minutes
Curriculum
Texas grade levels (TEKS)
Questions
16
Answers
Included, with working
Format
PDF (A4), print or complete online

Students will practice

  • knowing common Latin and Greek roots
  • using roots to work out word meanings
  • building word families from a root
  • knowing that English borrows words from other languages

Curriculum: Texas grade levels (TEKS). We show specific outcome codes only where they have been verified against the official curriculum document.

What's next?

Completed: Root Words and Word Origins

  1. 1Using Context Clues to Work Out New Words
  2. 25th Grade Prefixes: un-, re-, dis-, pre-, mis- Worksheet — Level 1
  3. 35th Grade Synonyms and Antonyms Worksheet — Level 1
  4. 45th Grade Prefixes: un-, re-, dis-, pre-, mis- Worksheet — Level 2

How to use this worksheet

  1. Print the PDF or complete it on screen. Write the student's name and date at the top.
  2. Read the instructions for each part together before starting. Encourage working to be shown.
  3. Mark with the answer sheet. Use the model answers and success criteria as a guide rather than a single right answer.
  4. Record the score, celebrate what went well, then follow the "What's next" suggestion.

Common questions

Who is this worksheet for?

5th Grade students (typically ages 10–11) working on vocabulary. It is pitched at level 2 · standard; an easier version and a harder version are linked above.

Are the answers included?

Yes. The PDF includes a full answer sheet with model answers and success criteria where there is more than one good answer. You can also view the answers online.

How long does it take?

About 25 minutes for 16 questions. Short, regular sessions work best: two or three a week beats one long one.

Do I need to sign up to download?

No. Click Download Free PDF and it opens immediately. It is free for personal, classroom and homeschool use.

What should we do next?

Try Using Context Clues to Work Out New Words.

Preview

Success TutoringWorksheets5th Grade · English · Vocabulary

Root Words and Word Origins

Name

Date

Score /

Look for a root you know inside a long word. It is often a clue to the meaning.

Part A: Roots and meanings

A root is the main part of a word that carries its meaning. Many English roots come from Latin or Greek. Use the example words to help: construct, erupt, audience, inspect, predict, describe.

1.Match each root to its meaning.
  • struct
  • rupt
  • aud
  • spect
  • dict
  • scrib / script
  • write
  • hear
  • build
  • break
  • say
  • look

Part B: Use the root

Use the meaning of the root to choose the answer.

2.Rupt means break. When a volcano erupts, the lava
  1. Abreaks out
  2. Bcools down
  3. Cstays still
  4. Dgoes back in
3.Aud means hear. Something that is audible
  1. Acan be seen
  2. Bcan be heard
  3. Cis very old
  4. Dis very loud
4.Spect means look. A spectator is someone who
  1. Aplays a game
  2. Bwatches an event
  3. Cwrites a story
  4. Dbuilds a stage
5.Dict means say. To predict is to
  1. Asay what will happen before it does
  2. Bsay sorry
  3. Cwrite a list
  4. Dread aloud
6.Struct means build. Which word does not come from this root?
  1. Astructure
  2. Bconstruct
  3. Cinstruct
  4. Dstrong
7.Micro means small. A microscope helps you
  1. Asee very small things
  2. Bhear quiet sounds
  3. Cmeasure heat
  4. Dsee far away

Part C: Build the word

Put the parts together to make the word that fits the meaning.

8.inter (between) + rupt (break): to (answer space) is to break in while someone is talking.
9.in (into) + spect (look): to (answer space) is to look closely at something.
10.aud (hear) + ience (a noun ending): an (answer space) is a group of people who listen or watch.
11.de (down) + scribe (write): to (answer space) is to write or tell what something is like.
Free worksheets at worksheets.successtutoring.com · © Success Tutoring · Free for personal and classroom use

Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.

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Vocabulary in other year levels

About this resource

Created by
Success Tutoring
Last reviewed
1 October 2026
How it was made
Written by our team

Free to print and share for personal, classroom and homeschool use. Please don't resell. Spotted an error? Let us know.