What role do prefixes and suffixes play in structural analysis?

Prefixes and suffixes are integral to understanding the meanings of words through structural analysis. By adding these affixes to root words, they modify or clarify their meanings, often providing insights into the word’s function and context within language. For example, the prefix "un-" denotes negation, as in "happy" becoming "unhappy," while the suffix "-ing" indicates an ongoing action, as in "run" becoming "running." Recognizing these components allows readers to decode unfamiliar words and grasp their meanings more effectively, enhancing comprehension and vocabulary development. The other choices focus on different aspects of reading and writing, but they do not address the specific function of prefixes and suffixes in word meaning.