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Roots and Reference Works is a free printable Grade 5 English worksheet on combining roots, context and a dictionary, aligned to Common Core standard L.5.4. It prints 3 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two pupils in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

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All 25 sets ask different questions.

Roots and Reference Works

L.5.4

NameDate

Write the letter of the meaning next to each word.

1.Write the letter of the meaning next to each word.
  • transport
  • aquarium
  • photograph
  • inspect
  • A.a place for water
  • B.to look into
  • C.a picture made with light
  • D.to carry across
2.Write the letter of the meaning next to each word.
  • geography
  • visible
  • portable
  • audience
  • A.able to be carried
  • B.the writing of the earth
  • C.able to be seen
  • D.those who hear
3.Write the letter of the meaning next to each word.
  • construct
  • inspect
  • microscope
  • visible
  • A.to build together
  • B.an instrument for seeing small things
  • C.able to be seen
  • D.to look into

LessonPrint · L.5.4 · Set 1 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Roots and Reference Works

Set 1. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.transport — D; aquarium — A; photograph — C; inspect — B
  2. 2.geography — B; visible — C; portable — A; audience — D
  3. 3.construct — A; inspect — D; microscope — B; visible — C

Questions about Roots and Reference Works

What does the Roots and Reference Works worksheet cover?

It practises combining roots, context and a dictionary — 3 questions for Grade 5, all on Common Core L.5.4: Use context, roots and reference works to pin down a word's meaning. The instruction to pupils is “Write the letter of the meaning next to each word”, and the answer key follows on the next sheet.

Which Common Core standard does Roots and Reference Works practise?

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.4 — L.5.4, in the Language domain for Grade 5. The published standard reads: “Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 5 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.” The worksheet assesses that standard rather than a paraphrase of it.

What age or grade is this worksheet for?

Roots and Reference Works is written for Grade 5, typically ages 10-11. It is one of the sheets on L.5.4, so it suits any pupil working at that standard — including older pupils revisiting it and younger ones working ahead.

Does Roots and Reference Works come with an answer key?

Yes. All 3 answers are generated from the same problems as the questions, so the key cannot drift out of step with the sheet. It starts on a fresh sheet of paper, after the questions, so it is not handed out with the class by accident.

How many different versions of Roots and Reference Works can I print?

25 — one per pupil, and all 25 ask different questions. Set 1 downloads the whole class as a single PDF. Every version is fixed to its own address, so a sheet printed today holds the same problems when you reopen it next week.

Is Roots and Reference Works free to print and photocopy?

Yes. Roots and Reference Works, its answer key and its 25 versions are free to print and photocopy for your own class, with no account, no email capture and no subscription at the download step. Please do not resell them or republish them as your own.

Is there a lesson plan to teach L.5.4?

Yes — “Context, Affixes and Reference Works” is a 40-minute Grade 5 plan for L.5.4, timed section by section, with the misconceptions to expect and an exit ticket. Roots and Reference Works is the practice that follows it.

More practice for L.5.4

Use context, roots and reference works to pin down a word's meaning.

Teaching this next? Context, Affixes and Reference Works is the 40-minute plan for it, with the misconceptions to expect.

All Grade 5 worksheets

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to L.5.4 of the Common Core State Standards for English language arts.