Word Formation: Noun Derivation 1

Starter

Show learners the first slide and the list of two words. Have the learners discuss what they think the words have in common in pairs or small groups. In the next slide, check to see if they noticed all the same criteria: nouns, formed of base words, have an extra element added to the start and/or end. See if learners know what we call these extra elements. In the next slide, have learners take notes on the definitions of affixes, prefixes and suffixes. 

Activity 1

Show the learners the list of words and ask them to discuss what they have in common. As a hint, tell them to focus on how these words are formed bearing in mind what they now know about affixes. In the next slide, reveal that all the words are nouns fromed with suffixes. Keep an eye out for words which change their spelling! 

In the next task, learners choose which suffix they need to add to each noun. Have them discuss their answers in pairs or groups before sharing with the whole class. Finally, discuss how all these words can mean a person or piece of equipment that performs an action or job. 

Activity 2

Next, learners look at a similar list of nouns which can be modified by adding a suffix. Ask the learners to choose the correct suffix for each, word and then check their answers as a whole class. Bear in mind that some words require extra spelling changes! 

Finally, show the categorisation task. Ask learners whether each of the nouns refers to a people or an object. Have learners attempt in pairs or small groups before checking the answers as a whole class via the interactive white board. 

 

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