Lesson 1: SCRIB / SCRIPT
The Root
SCRIB / SCRIPT come from Latin and mean "to write."
When you see these roots in a word, think about writing, marking down, or recording information.
Word List
| Word | Parts | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| describe | DE- (down) + SCRIBE (write) | to say or write down what someone or something is like |
| manuscript | MANU (hand) + SCRIPT (write) | a piece of writing; a book or document written by hand |
| prescribe | PRE- (before) + SCRIBE (write) | to order as a rule or course to be followed; to order for medical use |
| scribble | SCRIB (write) + -LE (often suggests small, repeated action) | to write or draw something quickly or carelessly |
| scribe | DE- (down) + SCRIBE (write) | a person who writes things down, especially in ancient times |
| script | MANU (hand) + SCRIPT (write) | the written text of a play, movie, or broadcast |
| subscription | SCRIPT (write) | a written agreement to buy and read a magazine or newspaper for a set period |
| transcript | SCRIPT (write) | a written, typewritten, or printed copy of what someone has said |
| inscription | IN- (in/on) + SCRIPT (write) + -ION (act of) | words that are written on or cut into a surface |
| postscript | SCRIPT (write) | a short bit of writing added after a letter is finished (P.S.) |
| scripture | SCRIPT (write) | sacred writings or books |
| nondescript | NON- (not) + DE- (down) + SCRIPT (write) | hard to describe because it lacks special features; ordinary |
Practice 1: Multiple Choice
Choose the word that best completes each sentence.
- The doctor decided to __________ a strong cough syrup for the patient.
a) prescribe
b) inscribe
c) describe
d) scribble
- The museum has an ancient __________ that was written on papyrus 2,000 years ago.
a) manuscript
b) transcript
c) postscript
d) subscription
- I forgot to mention the party, so I added a __________ at the bottom of my letter.
a) scripture
b) postscript
c) script
d) transcript
- The bank robber drove a __________ white van that was very hard to identify later.
a) descriptive
b) scripted
c) nondescript
d) inscribed
- The jeweler will __________ your initials on the inside of the gold watch.
a) subscribe
b) describe
c) prescribe
d) inscribe
- After the interview, the reporter had to type up a full __________ of the conversation.
a) script
b) subscription
c) manuscript
d) transcript
- Young children often like to __________ on the walls with markers.
a) prescribe
b) scribble
c) describe
d) script
- The movie's __________ was so funny that I laughed through the whole film.
a) scripture
b) script
c) transcript
d) manuscript
- You can __________ to our channel to get updates every single day.
a) inscribe
b) prescribe
c) describe
d) subscribe
- The detective asked the witness to __________ the man she saw running away.
a) describe
b) prescribe
c) scribble
d) inscribe
- In ancient Egypt, a __________ was a highly respected professional writer.
a) script
b) scribe
c) scripture
d) transcript
- The __________ explains the rules and beliefs of the ancient religion.
a) scripture
b) scribble
c) scriptkeeper
d) script
Practice 2: Fill in the Blank
Use each word from the word bank exactly once.
Word Bank: describe, manuscript, prescribe, scribble, scribe, script, subscription, transcript, inscription, postscript, scripture, nondescript
I forgot to mention one more thing, so I added a __________ to my email.
The actor spent all night memorizing his __________ for the new play.
The ancient __________ was found in a cave, hidden for centuries.
Please don't __________ on your desk; use the paper provided.
The detective found it hard to find the thief because he looked so __________.
I need to renew my __________ to the science magazine.
Can you __________ the flavor of the exotic fruit you just ate?
The doctor will __________ a rest period to help you recover faster.
The __________ on the silver cup was difficult to read because it was so old.
In the Middle Ages, a __________ would copy books by hand for the library.
The lawyer read the __________ of the witness's testimony during the trial.
Many people find comfort and wisdom in reading their __________.
Practice 3: Reading Passage
Amara was an aspiring author who had just finished her first manuscript. It was a sprawling fantasy novel with a complex script for the dialogue of several mythical creatures. She decided to dedicate the book to her parents, who had always encouraged her writing.
One day, while researching at the local library, she found a strange, nondescript book tucked behind some old maps. It wasn't a modern book with a shiny cover; it looked like an ancient scripture. When she opened it, she saw a faded inscription on the first page: "For those who seek the truth."
Amara realized she couldn't simply scribble down her thoughts about it. She needed to describe the find to her professor. She carefully made a transcript of the first few lines to show him the next day. She even added a postscript to her email, reminding him to bring his reading glasses.
Questions
- Why is the book Amara finds called "nondescript"?
a) Because it is very colorful and bright
b) Because it is very ordinary and doesn't stand out
c) Because she couldn't write in it
d) Because it was a famous book
- What is an "inscription"?
a) A type of ancient paper
b) Words written on or in a surface
c) A secret code
d) A person who writes books
- What did Amara do when she made a "transcript"?
a) She took a photo of the book
b) She wrote down a copy of the words she saw
c) She prescribed a new rule
d) She scribbled her own name
- In this passage, a "script" refers to:
a) The physical book itself
b) The written dialogue for the characters
c) The author's handwriting
d) A medicine the author takes
- How is a "manuscript" different from a published book in this context?
a) It is written by a scribe
b) It is the author's work before it's published
c) It is a sacred text
d) It is nondescript
Answer Key
Practice 1: Multiple Choice
- a
- a
- b
- c
- d
- d
- b
- b
- d
- a
- b
- a
Practice 2: Fill in the Blank
- postscript
- script
- manuscript
- scribble
- nondescript
- subscription
- describe
- prescribe
- inscription
- scribe
- transcript
- scripture
Reading Passage Questions
- b
- b
- b
- b
- b