ATI TEAS: Using Language and Vocabulary to Express Ideas in Writing Concepts
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Overview
This chapter covers how to figure out word meanings and how to organize writing clearly. You will use context clues and word parts, such as prefixes, roots, and suffixes, and you will learn how topic sentences, supporting details, and transitions hold a paragraph together.
Many English words, especially medical and science terms, are built from Greek and Latin parts. A prefix comes at the start and changes the meaning, a root carries the core meaning, and a suffix comes at the end and often shows the part of speech. For example, hypo- means under and hyper- means over, so hypothermia is low body temperature and hyperthermia is high body temperature.
A well-organized paragraph starts with a topic sentence that states its main point, follows with supporting details, and ends with a closing sentence. Transition words guide the reader: however and on the other hand show contrast, therefore and as a result show cause and effect, and first, next, and finally show order. Choosing the right transition makes the relationship between ideas clear.
Key concepts
Prefix
A word part added to the beginning of a root that changes its meaning. Examples: pre- (before), post- (after), anti- (against), un- (not).
Memory tipBreak the word apart and translate each piece.
Root word
The main part of a word that carries its core meaning. Examples: cardi (heart), derm (skin), neur (nerve), gastr (stomach).
Memory tipLearn common body-part roots for health words.
Suffix
A word part added to the end of a word that changes its meaning or part of speech. Examples: -itis (inflammation), -ology (study of), -less (without).
Memory tipThe suffix often tells you what kind of word it is.
Hypo- vs. hyper-
Hypo- means under, below, or less than normal (hypoglycemia = low blood sugar). Hyper- means over, above, or more than normal (hypertension = high blood pressure).
Memory tipHypo is low; hyper is high.
Topic sentence
The sentence, usually first in a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main point. Every other sentence in the paragraph should support it.
Memory tipIf a sentence does not support the topic sentence, it does not belong.
Transition words
Words and phrases that show how ideas connect: contrast (however, although), cause and effect (therefore, as a result), addition (also, furthermore), order (first, finally).
Memory tipName the relationship first, then pick the transition.
Often tested
- Denotation is a word's dictionary meaning; connotation is the feeling it carries (thrifty vs. cheap).
- Context clues can confirm or correct a guess based on word parts.
- "However" and "therefore" connect ideas with opposite logic: contrast vs. result.
- A strong paragraph stays on one main idea from start to finish.
Easy to confuse: Common transitions by purpose
| Purpose | Transition words |
|---|---|
| Contrast | however, although, on the other hand |
| Cause and effect | therefore, as a result, consequently |
| Addition | also, furthermore, in addition |
| Order | first, next, finally |
3 sample questions
Verified practice questions from this unit.
Question 1. The prefix "hypo-" means "under" or "below." What does "hypothermia" mean?
- ① Body temperature above normal
- ② Normal body temperature
- ③ A quickly changing body temperature
- ④ Body temperature below normal
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Answer: ④ Body temperature below normal
Key point: hypo- = below; hyper- = above
Break the word into parts: hypo- (below) + therm (heat) + -ia (condition). Hypothermia is the condition of having a body temperature below normal.
Wrong choices
- Body temperature above normal: Above normal would use "hyper-," as in hyperthermia.
- Normal body temperature: The prefix "hypo-" shows something is below normal.
- A quickly changing body temperature: Nothing in the word parts means "changing."
Question 2. The suffix "-itis" means "inflammation." What does "tonsillitis" mean?
- ① Inflammation of the tonsils
- ② Surgical removal of the tonsils
- ③ The study of the tonsils
- ④ An X-ray of the tonsils
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Answer: ① Inflammation of the tonsils
Key point: -itis = inflammation
Tonsill (tonsils) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the tonsils. Other examples: arthritis (joints) and appendicitis (appendix).
Wrong choices
- Surgical removal of the tonsils: Removal would use "-ectomy," as in tonsillectomy.
- The study of the tonsils: "Study of" would use "-ology."
- An X-ray of the tonsils: Nothing in the word means an image.
Question 3. Choose the transition that best completes the sentences. "I planned to go to the gym after work. ______, I had to stay late to finish a report."
- ① Therefore
- ② For example
- ③ Similarly
- ④ However
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Answer: ④ However
Key point: "However" signals contrast
The second sentence goes against the plan in the first sentence. However is a transition that shows contrast.
Wrong choices
- Therefore: "Therefore" shows a result, but staying late is not a result of planning the gym.
- For example: "For example" introduces an example, which does not fit.
- Similarly: "Similarly" shows likeness, but the ideas are in contrast.
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