Name & Sec.

_______________________ Phonetics & Reading Skills

Constructing the Concept: Introduction

Definition: STRESS refers to speaking and it is the emphasis that may be given to
certain syllables (i.e. units of words which have at least one vowel sound) in a word,
or to certain words in a phrase or sentence. In English, stressed syllables are louder
than non-stressed syllables. The symbol “ ˈ ” is used before the stressed syllable. Some
dictionaries also offer the stressed vowel sound as underlined.
Rules for Stress-Patterns:
(/ˈhʌzbənd/ or /hʌzbənd/ - hUSband)

First syllable is Second syllable is Third last syllable is Second last syllable is
stressed in: stressed in: stressed in: stressed in:
two syllable nouns two syllable verbs. most of the words ending three syllable words and
and adjectives. in suffixes “-al”, “-cy”,“- the words ending in
phy” and“-ty” “-ic”, “-sion” and “-tion”
/’ædres/-ADDress (n) /ə’dres/-aDDRESS(v) /Ikə’lɒdʒɪkəl/- ecoLOgical /ækə’demɪk/ - acaDEmic
/’slendə/-SLENder(adj) /fə’tɒgrəfi/-phoTOgraphy /dɪ’vɪʒn/ - diVIsion

Affixes (prefixes and suffixes) are never stressed. (/rΙˈmɑːkəbl/-reMARkable)

Definition: Where stress-patterns are grammatical, INTONATION is rise

and fall in a speaker’s voice when it has an effect on the
meaning of what is said.
Intonation doesn't exist in isolation.
Functions: Did you know?
It is used for a range of functions such as indication of the attitudes Grammatical words
and emotions of the speaker, signalling the difference between statements and (auxiliary verbs,
prepositions,
questions and between different types of question, focusing attention on pronouns, articles
important elements of the spoken message. Common examples include wh-word etc.) usually do not
receive any stress.
questions. Lexical words,
however, (nouns,
When action is the main focus of the interrogator: What are you doing? verbs, adjectives,
When the questioned is the main focus of the interrogator: What are you doing? adverbs, etc.) must
In surprise: What are you doing!! have at least one
stressed syllable.
When answer is close-ended: Yes, I’m doing dishes.
When someone is interviewed: Do you do dishes?

How to make your reading impressive?

o Stress the lexical words applying the rules
eveloping the Concept: Guided Practices given above.
1. Underline the syllables to be stressed in the following words keeping in mind the rules given above.
preparation journey useful service
brother gentle responsibility collision

2. Underline the stressed word:

When doer is the main focus.
When action is the main focus.
When place is the main focus.
In answer to a ‘yes/no’ question:
When someone asks a question:
My brother studies at NUML.
My brother studies at NUML.
My brother studies at NUML.
No, my brother doesn’t studies at FUUAST.
Do you study at NUML?