Word Formation: Compound Nouns

Starter

Show learners the first slide and the list of words. Have the learners discuss what they think the words have in common in pairs or small groups. In the next slide, explain that they are all compound nouns.

Compound nouns are formed with a base word, which is always a noun, and a specifying word, that can belong to several word classes.

Demonstrate the meaning of base and specifying noun, and then finally discuss the bullet-point questions with the whole class. The answer to the second question is 'yes' and they will see more examples of this next. 

Activity 1

Next, the learners test their knowledge. Learners will see nine compound nouns and need to organise them into three categories. The three categories relate to the word class of the specifying noun. Allow the learners to attempt this activity in pairs or small groups, before checking the answers as a whole class. The order of the categories does not matter, as long as the different word classes are grouped correctly. 

Show the next slide to check the answers and talk through how the words are formed.

Activity 2

Next, learners will do a mix-and-match activity. Drag the cards together to connect and double click to separate. Have the learners copy down the words and check as a whole class, asking learners to come to the front to connect the words. Click 'Submit your Answers' to check. 

In the next slide, explain the variety of spelling conventions for compound nouns. Unfortunately, there is no simple rule for knowing which convention is used, so these must be learned by-heart!

Activity 3

Ask the learners to look back on their notes. Choose ten compound nouns and write a setence for each; then compare in small groups. As an extension, ask learners to keep a record of any compound nouns they notice around the school or in everyday life. Or, ask them to invent compound nouns for to describe new ideas or products. 

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

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