Wisconsin FORT (Foundations of Reading) Practice Test

What role do inflected endings play in word structure?

1. They change the form or function of a word but not its basic meaning

2. They organize important information

3. They include the vowel and any consonants that follow

4. They precede the vowel

The correct answer is: They change the form or function of a word but not its basic meaning

Inflected endings play a significant role in word structure by changing the form or function of a word without altering its basic meaning. This means that inflected endings can modify a word to indicate things like tense, number, or possession while retaining the core meaning of the word. This differentiation is essential for understanding the nuances of language and how words are used in various contexts. Options B, C, and D are incorrect: - Option B, stating that inflected endings organize important information, does not accurately reflect their primary function in word structure. - Option C describes the general structure of a syllable rather than the specific role of inflected endings within a word. - Option D is incorrect as inflected endings typically come after the root word and not before the vowel.