In Lesson 11 of Chapter 3 from Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book 5, Grade 3 students explore the Latin roots struct (build) and tract (pull) to understand words like construction, destructive, reconstruct, contraction, extract, protractor, retract, traction, and structure. Students practice identifying antonyms, using vocabulary in context, and expanding their knowledge of the prefix ex- and its variant e-, which both mean "out." This lesson builds word analysis skills by connecting root meanings to real-world concepts in grammar, math, and everyday language.
Section 1
Building Up with 'Struct'
Let's start with words that all share the Latin root 'struct', which means 'to build'. Think of these words as different ways to put things together... or take them apart!
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| construction | (n.) the process of building something |
| destructive | (adj.) causing great damage |
| reconstruct | (v.) to build something again |
| structure | (n.) something that is built or made |
Section 2
Pulling Together with 'Tract'
Now for words from the root 'tract', meaning 'to pull or drag'. These words describe different kinds of pulling, from ideas and objects to muscles and tires on a road.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| contraction | (n.) the tightening of a muscle |
| extract | (v.) to pull something out |
| protractor | (n.) a tool used to measure and draw angles |
| retract | (v.) to pull something back |
| traction | (n.) the grip that keeps something from slipping |
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Section 1
Building Up with 'Struct'
Let's start with words that all share the Latin root 'struct', which means 'to build'. Think of these words as different ways to put things together... or take them apart!
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| construction | (n.) the process of building something |
| destructive | (adj.) causing great damage |
| reconstruct | (v.) to build something again |
| structure | (n.) something that is built or made |
Section 2
Pulling Together with 'Tract'
Now for words from the root 'tract', meaning 'to pull or drag'. These words describe different kinds of pulling, from ideas and objects to muscles and tires on a road.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| contraction | (n.) the tightening of a muscle |
| extract | (v.) to pull something out |
| protractor | (n.) a tool used to measure and draw angles |
| retract | (v.) to pull something back |
| traction | (n.) the grip that keeps something from slipping |
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter