This document provides information about words with the prefix "un-": undecided, uncertain, and unwilling. It defines each word and notes that they are all adjectives that describe a lack of doing or knowing something. The document suggests activities for teachers to help students understand and use these words, such as having groups brainstorm examples of things that could be undecided, uncertain, or unwilling and having students commit to using two of the words in upcoming conversations. Synonyms and antonyms are also provided to help students distinguish between the meanings of the words.

1. THE PREFIX UN-
UNDECIDED, UNCERTAIN, UNWILLING
Difficulty Level

Target Words:
Undecided (adj.) – not determined; or, if describing a person, not
having one’s mind made up
Uncertain (adj). – not known or definite; still in doubt or “up in the
air”
Unwilling (adj.) – refusing to do something; not eager to do
something; reluctant
Point out that these particular words all have different forms after
the un-. Undecided looks like the past tense of a verb but is most
often used as an adjective. Uncertain literally means “not certain,”
so give them synonyms as needed for certain (the word could
mean “not for sure” in student terms). And unwilling also looks like a
verb with its –ing ending. It, like undecided, is an adjective, though.
Modeling word analysis for your students will help them become
more and more likely to do this on their own.
Again, remind
students that the
prefix un- negates
what comes after
it. Your reminders
will help them
remember what
un- can do when
placed on many
words.

2. Obviously these are all words with the prefix un-, but they also have
other things in common. This set of words is about not doing or not
knowing. They are also all adjectives, so they are describing words.
Remind your students over and over that adjectives give details,
clarity, and specificity to nouns. This will help them remember the
function of adjectives, and also should help them use stronger
adjectives in their writing.
Have small groups brainstorm things that could be undecided,
uncertain, and unwilling. You may want to have them make three
columns and list their ideas in each one. Below is an example.
Undecided Uncertain Unwilling
Someone could be
undecided about
asking another
person out for a
date
The weather – it
might rain tomorrow
My plans for after
school today
A cat or dog who
doesn’t want a
bath
A toddler who
doesn’t want to
take a nap

3. Ask each student to commit to using two of the words in
conversation in the next few days. If time allows, ask them to write
their plan down quickly and hand it in. If you don’t have time for
writing, have them partner with someone who wasn’t in their small
group in step A and share their plan verbally.
Examples:
I’m going to use the words undecided and uncertain when
people ask me questions if I’m not sure of the right answer or if I
haven’t made up my mind about something.
I plan to use the words undecided and unwilling. For
example, I’m undecided about what to wear to school tomorrow,
and I’m unwilling to wear different shoes from today, because these
are my favorites.
If struggling students are rather quiet during step A, it’s fine for them
to sit back and listen, as long as the group is generating examples. If
a group is stuck, you will have to go get them started with an
example or two. In step P, you can provide sentence templates like
the ones below.
I’m going to use the word _____ when I _____.
I can use the word _____ in school. (Explain how.)
I can use the word _____ at home. (Explain how.)

4. Ask pairs or individuals to brainstorm synonyms and/or antonyms for
the target words.
Synonyms for uncertain: indefinite, debatable, in doubt, unsure,
unsettled
Antonyms for uncertain: sure, positive, predictable, reliable
Synonyms for undecided: wavering, unsure, mixed up
Antonyms for undecided: decisive, sure, positive, agreeable
Synonyms for unwilling: refusing, hesitant, reluctant, shy away from
Antonyms for unwilling: willing, ready, agreeable, eager
Beyond the Lesson:
Strive to use the target words in conversation with your students – as in,
“Are you uncertain about the answer?”