In the SATs Smasher activities, you will notice that the word root is used to indicate a base word. This choice of terminology is designed to mirror the SATs format, where root word is often the term used in questions. However, it’s important to note that the correct terminology should be base word, as this refers to a word that can stand alone with its own meaning. We have chosen to follow the SATs design in this case because it’s crucial for the purpose of the paper that children practise with the same style of questions they will encounter in the Y6 tests. This approach helps them become familiar with the terminology and question format, ensuring they feel more confident when taking the test.

Root and base words further explained… 

The difference between root words and base words can be subtle but important. A root word is the core part of a word that carries its fundamental meaning, often originating from languages like Latin or Greek. Root words cannot always stand alone in modern English and typically need prefixes or suffixes to form complete words. For example, act (from Latin agree, meaning to do) is a root word that forms words like action, actor, or react.

On the other hand, a base word is a complete word that can stand alone with its own meaning. A base word is typically the same as a root word but is a word in itself, such as play or help, which can be used on their own. While the terms root word and base word are sometimes used interchangeably, in the context of English language teaching and assessments like SATs, the terminology typically refers to the root word when discussing the origin or core of a word.
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