FTCE Reading K-12 Practice Exam

What is a 'base word'?

1. A word that is only used in technical texts

2. A unit of meaning that can stand alone as a whole word

3. A newly coined term in literature

4. A synonym for a compound word

The correct answer is: A unit of meaning that can stand alone as a whole word

The correct choice defines a 'base word' accurately as a unit of meaning that can stand alone as a whole word. A base word serves as the simplest form of a word, to which prefixes and suffixes can be added to create new words. For example, the base word 'friend' can be transformed into 'friendly' or 'friendship' through the addition of morphemes. Understanding base words is crucial for developing vocabulary and comprehension skills, as they form the foundation for many other words in the language. The other options do not align with the definition of a base word. For instance, stating that a base word is only used in technical texts misrepresents its broader application in everyday language. Similarly, identifying it as a newly coined term overlooks the established nature of base words in linguistics. Lastly, suggesting that it is a synonym for a compound word incorrectly conflates the two concepts, as base words can stand alone while compound words are formed by combining two or more base words.