1.
A strong unstressed syllable and a weak unstressed syllable are equally prominent
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
A strong unstressed syllable and a weak unstressed syllable are not equally prominent. In poetry and language, a strong unstressed syllable is emphasized more than a weak unstressed syllable. This emphasis can be seen in the rhythm and stress patterns of words and phrases. Therefore, the statement is false.
2.
The first part of all compound nouns carries the stress.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Compound nouns are made up of two or more words that function as a single unit. In English, the stress in compound nouns usually falls on the second part of the word, not the first. For example, in the compound noun "bookshelf," the stress is on the second part "shelf." Therefore, the statement that the first part of all compound nouns carries the stress is false.
3.
All weak syllables are unstressed
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
In linguistics, stress refers to the emphasis or prominence placed on a syllable within a word. A weak syllable is one that does not carry stress and is pronounced with less emphasis. Therefore, it is correct to say that all weak syllables are unstressed.
4.
Trisyllabic nouns never have stress on the ultimate syllable
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Trisyllabic nouns can have stress on any syllable, including the ultimate syllable. Therefore, the statement that trisyllabic nouns never have stress on the ultimate syllable is incorrect.
5.
The second syllable of the verb ‘desert’ is stressed.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The second syllable of the verb 'desert' is stressed. This means that when pronouncing the word, the emphasis is placed on the second syllable. In the word 'desert', the second syllable is 'sert'. To confirm this, you can try pronouncing the word and notice where the stress naturally falls.
6.
The four factors of prominence are equally important.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement "The four factors of prominence are equally important" is incorrect. In the study of prominence, which refers to the emphasis placed on certain elements in a text or speech, the four factors (pitch, loudness, duration, and quality) are not equally important. Each factor plays a distinct role in conveying prominence, with pitch and loudness being the primary determinants. Duration and quality may also contribute, but to a lesser extent. Therefore, the correct answer is False.
7.
Primary stress and secondary stress are also called tonic and non-tonic stress.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Primary stress and secondary stress are indeed also referred to as tonic and non-tonic stress. This terminology is commonly used in linguistics to describe the different levels of stress placed on syllables in a word. Primary stress, or tonic stress, is the main emphasis placed on a particular syllable in a word, while secondary stress, or non-tonic stress, is a lesser emphasis placed on other syllables in the word. Therefore, the given statement is true.
8.
The morphological category of a word does not affect its stress placement.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The morphological category of a word can indeed affect its stress placement. Stress placement in a word is often determined by the specific rules of the language, and these rules can be influenced by the morphological category of the word. For example, in English, stress tends to fall on the first syllable of nouns, while it can vary in verbs depending on their morphological form. Therefore, the statement that the morphological category of a word does not affect its stress placement is false.
9.
The second part of ‘software’ is stressed
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given answer is true because when we stress the word "software," the emphasis is placed on the second syllable, which is "ware." This means that when saying the word out loud, we pronounce the second syllable with more force or emphasis compared to the other syllables.
10.
The primary stress goes on the second part of most compound adjectives.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Compound adjectives are formed by combining two or more words to describe a noun. In most cases, the primary stress in compound adjectives falls on the second part of the compound. This is because the second part typically carries the main meaning or emphasis of the adjective. For example, in the compound adjective "hard-working," the primary stress is on "working" as it emphasizes the quality of being industrious. Therefore, the statement that the primary stress goes on the second part of most compound adjectives is true.
11.
Which of the following statements is true?
Correct Answer
B. All stressed syllables are strong
Explanation
All stressed syllables are strong because stress refers to the emphasis or prominence given to a particular syllable in a word. Strong syllables are those that receive stress or emphasis, while weak syllables are those that do not receive stress. Therefore, it can be concluded that all stressed syllables are strong.
12.
Which syllable is stressed in ‘geography’?
Correct Answer
B. Antepenult
Explanation
The syllable stressed in the word "geography" is the antepenult syllable. The antepenult syllable is the third syllable from the end of a word. In "geography," the syllables are divided as "ge-og-ra-phy," with the stress falling on the "ra" syllable.
13.
Which syllable in ‘modernisation’ carries secondary stress?
Correct Answer
A. First syllable
Explanation
The first syllable in "modernisation" carries secondary stress.
14.
Which word has a different stress pattern?
Correct Answer
D. Interfere
Explanation
The word "interfere" has a different stress pattern compared to the other words. In "interfere," the stress is on the second syllable ("-fer-"), while in the other words, the stress is on the first syllable ("-il-", "-cus-", "-ad-"). This difference in stress pattern sets "interfere" apart from the other words.
15.
In which word does the second part receive primary stress?
Correct Answer
C. Global warming
Explanation
In the word "global warming," the second part "warming" receives primary stress. This is because the stress is placed on the second syllable of the word, which is "war." The first syllable "glo" is unstressed.
16.
In which word does the second part receive primary stress?
Correct Answer
A. Well-known
Explanation
The word "well-known" receives primary stress on the second part, "known." This is because the stress falls on the second syllable of the word, which is typical for compound words in English. In compound words, the stress often falls on the second part of the word, as is the case with "well-known."
17.
Which word has a different stress pattern?
Correct Answer
A. Outweigh
Explanation
The word "outweigh" has a different stress pattern compared to the other three words. In "outweigh," the stress is on the second syllable "weigh." However, in "daydream," "brainwash," and "stirfry," the stress is on the first syllable "day," "brain," and "stir" respectively.
18.
The antepenult is stressed in the following words.
Correct Answer
A. University, differentiate, immediate
Explanation
The antepenult is the third to last syllable in a word. In the given words, the antepenult is stressed in "university," "differentiate," and "immediate."
19.
Which word has a stress-neutral suffix?
Correct Answer
B. Poisonous
Explanation
The word "poisonous" has a stress-neutral suffix. The stress is on the second syllable "poi" and the suffix "-ous" does not affect the stress pattern of the word. In contrast, the other words have stress on different syllables due to the addition of the suffixes.
20.
Which word has a stress-shifting suffix?
Correct Answer
B. Solidify
Explanation
The word "solidify" has a stress-shifting suffix. In this word, the primary stress is on the second syllable "li", but when the suffix "-fy" is added, the stress shifts to the third syllable "fy". This is evident when pronouncing the word as "so-LID-i-fy".