Question 1

The suffix -ity appears in words like ambiguity and clarity. In some words, the suffix takes the shorter form -ty, as in loyalty and safety. What does this suffix mean?

• A one who possesses a quality
• B tending toward
• C act or process of
• D state or quality of

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The suffix -ism appears in words like optimism and cynicism. What does this suffix mean?

• A state or quality of
• B one who holds a belief
• C act of making or causing
• D belief, doctrine, or practice

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The suffix -ify appears in words like simplify and justify. What does this suffix mean?

• A one who makes or causes
• B relating to making or causing
• C to make or cause to become
• D capable of being made

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The suffix -al forms adjectives meaning "relating to," as in seasonal. In some words it appears as -ial, as in impartial. How does -ial shape the meaning of impartial?

• A It converts the noun part into a noun meaning a state of equal balance between two sides
• B It converts the prefix im- into a verb meaning to demonstrate balance or fairness
• C It converts the noun part into an adverb meaning in a partial or biased manner
• D It converts the noun part into an adjective meaning relating to one portion or side — the prefix im- then reverses this, giving "not favoring any one side"

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The word ambivalent contains the suffix -ent. When the same suffix follows certain roots, it appears as -ant, as in exuberant — the vowel must be memorized. How does -ent shape the meaning of ambivalent?

• A It forms an adjective meaning having the quality of experiencing conflicting emotions simultaneously
• B It forms an adverb meaning in a hesitant or uncertain manner
• C It forms a verb meaning to waver between two opposing choices
• D It forms a noun meaning a person who cannot make decisions

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The word euphemism ends in -ism. A student applies the suffix rule and expects euphemism to name a belief system or doctrine. What is wrong with this reasoning?

• A Nothing — euphemism does describe the doctrine of always choosing polite or inoffensive words
• B The suffix in euphemism is actually "-phemism," not "-ism," so the rule does not apply
• C "-ism" only names belief systems when the root is a recognizable standalone English noun; "euphe-" does not function as one
• D Euphemism is borrowed whole from Greek euphemismos (speaking with good words) — the "-ism" is part of the original root, not an independently added English suffix; the word refers to a mild expression substituted for an offensive one, not a belief

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The word colloquial contains the suffix -ial. Which statement best describes what -al/-ial contributes to this word?

• A It converts the root into a noun meaning a collection of informal expressions
• B It converts the root into an adjective meaning relating to or characteristic of informal, conversational speech
• C It converts the root into a verb meaning to speak informally
• D It converts the root into an adverb meaning in a conversational manner

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The suffix -ity appears in equanimity. The root combines Latin aequus (equal) and animus (mind or spirit). What does equanimity most likely mean?

• A the quality of being unable to choose between two equally appealing options
• B the state of being equally skilled in two or more unrelated areas
• C the quality of being even-tempered; mental calmness and composure
• D the quality of being easily swayed by opposing arguments

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The suffix -ify appears in mollify. The root moll- comes from Latin meaning "soft." What does mollify most likely mean?

• A to make softer; to appease or calm someone who is angry or upset
• B to cause something to dissolve or lose its original form
• C to make something harder or more resistant to change
• D to make a situation more complex by introducing competing viewpoints

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The suffix -ent appears in truculent. The root truc- comes from Latin trux, meaning "fierce" or "savage." What does truculent most likely mean?

• A having the quality of being cautious and slow to respond
• B relating to the careful suppression of fierce or violent impulses
• C having the quality of appearing fierce while actually being timid
• D having the quality of being eager to argue or fight; aggressive and defiant