What is the focus of structural analysis in spelling?

The focus of structural analysis in spelling is primarily on decoding multisyllabic words with affixes. This method involves teaching students to break down complex words into their constituent parts, such as prefixes (letters or syllables added to the beginning of a word) and suffixes (added to the end of a word), as well as root words (the base component of the word that gives it meaning). By understanding these components, students can develop a clearer understanding of how to spell and pronounce longer words, ultimately enhancing their reading and writing skills.

This approach not only aids in spelling but also improves comprehension by allowing learners to infer the meaning of words they may not have encountered before. It emphasizes a systematic strategy for breaking down words, making spelling increasingly manageable and intuitive. This contrasts with other options that do not align with this educational focus. For example, combining letters indiscriminately does not involve a structured method and may lead to confusion rather than clarity. Utilizing only root words limits the understanding of how words function in context, and ignoring syllable structure undermines the foundational elements of word construction, which are essential for effective spelling strategies.