Word Unlockers Worksheet
Morphology Lab • Agent Dossier
Name:
Date:
Prefix Mission Upper Elementary Vocabulary
WORD UNLOCKERS: PREFIX UN-
Decode word roots, identify opposite meanings, and reverse action verbs.
1
Meaning #1: "Not" / "Opposite"
Attached to adjectives: un- + certain = not certain.
2
Meaning #2: "Reverse Action"
Attached to verbs: un- + buckle = undo the buckle.
Part A: The Prefix Decoder Table
Separate the base word and state its definition with un-.
| New Word | Base Word | Base Meaning | Meaning with "Un-" |
|---|
| unafraid | afraid | scared or frightened | not scared; bold |
| unfriendly | | | |
| kind and welcoming | | | |
|
| unwrap |
| cover with paper |
|
| unforeseen |
| expected or predicted |
|
| unlock |
| fasten securely |
|
Part B: Context Clues Mission
Use each word from the bank exactly once.
unbelievable uncertain unveil unattended uncomfortable
Because of the heavy sea fog, the ship captain was about which path through the rocks was safest.
At the museum gala, the sculptor prepared to her brand-new masterpiece to the eager crowd.
Never leave your laboratory glassware while liquid is actively heating on the burner.
The stiff wooden chair without a cushion became quite after three hours of silent reading.
Watching a trained hawk catch a tiny lure in mid-dive was truly an athletic feat!
Unit 3 • Prefix Mastery Series Page 1 of 2 • Turn over for Stage 3-5
Field Operations • Deepening & Extension
Agent Name:
!
Part C: The "Double-N" Spelling Alert
Spelling Check
When the base word begins with the letter N, adding un- creates a double N (e.g., un + nerve = unnerve). Never drop either letter!
un + necessary =
un + natural =
un + noticed =
un + named =
Spelling Fix: "The secret map stayed unoticed in the attic." → Correct word:
Part D: Antonym Swaps & Sentence Construction
Apply words in clear, high-level sentences.
Rewrite with an un- word:
"The mystery was not solved."
→
Rewrite with an un- word:
"He had to reverse the button."
→
1 Write an adventurous sentence using the word unexplored:
2 Write a sentence where someone solves a problem using the word untangle:
Part E: Imposter Detective & Challenge
Critical Thinking
Caution: In imposter words, removing "un" does not leave a real base word. Circle the THREE IMPOSTER WORDS below:
uncle
unlucky
umbrella
unspoken
universe
unlock
Master Codebreaker Rule Test:
Explain the test you can use to prove whether a word starting with "un-" has a prefix or is an imposter:
Unit 3 • Prefix Mastery Series Page 2 of 2 • Mission Complete
