MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

What kind of words are primarily formed with the suffix -th?

1. Verbs describing actions

2. Nouns describing conditions

3. Adjectives describing characteristics

4. Adverbs indicating manner

The correct answer is: Nouns describing conditions

The words primarily formed with the suffix -th are typically nouns that describe conditions or states. This suffix, when added to certain root words, transforms them into nouns that convey an abstract quality or condition. For instance, words like "warmth," "depth," and "length" reflect a state or quality associated with the root word, such as the degree of warmth, the state of being deep, or the quality of being long. While other suffixes can change words into adjectives, verbs, or adverbs, the -th suffix is specifically utilized to create nouns that express a particular state or condition, thus indicating the correctness of this choice. Understanding the formation of words using suffixes is crucial in literacy skills, as it enhances vocabulary and comprehension of the nuances in meanings.