Speech Work: Review – Pronunciation Practice on Bi and Polysyllabic Words Basic 6 English Studies Lesson Note

Bisyllabic Words (Two syllables)

Remember to stress the correct syllable and pronounce both parts clearly.

Common Stress Patterns:

• First syllable stressed: PI-lot, DEN-tist, FOR-est, BUILD-ing
• Second syllable stressed: be-FORE, to-DAY, a-BOUT, re-PEAT

Examples with Stress Marks:

• PI-lot (person who flies planes)
• DEN-tist (person who treats teeth)
• FOR-est (area with many trees)
• BUILD-ing (structure where people live or work)

Polysyllabic Words (Three or more syllables)

Break these words into smaller parts and stress the correct syllable.

Three syllables:

• har-MON-i-ca (musical instrument)
• pho-TOG-ra-phy (taking pictures)
• de-MOC-ra-cy (government by the people)

Four syllables:

• mis-CI-ble (able to mix)
• u-ni-VER-si-ty (higher learning institution)
• el-e-PHANT (large animal)

Exercise A – Count and Divide Syllables

Count the syllables and divide these words:

1. teacher → _____ syllables → _______
2. wonderful → _____ syllables → _______
3. computer → _____ syllables → _______
4. banana → _____ syllables → _______
5. telephone → _____ syllables → _______
6. beautiful → _____ syllables → _______

Exercise B – Mark the Stress

Put stress marks (‘) on the correct syllable:

1. pilot → _______
2. forest → _______
3. harmonica → _______
4. democracy → _______
5. photography → _______
6. building → _______

Exercise C – Pronunciation Practice

Read these words aloud with correct stress and syllable division:

Bisyllabic words:

• doc-tor, teach-er, sis-ter, broth-er, mar-ket, gar-den

Polysyllabic words:

• el-e-phant, tel-e-vi-sion, re-frig-er-a-tor, ed-u-ca-tion

Exercise D – Word Stress Rules

Complete these pronunciation rules:

1. In most bisyllabic nouns, the stress falls on the _______ syllable.
2. In polysyllabic words ending in -tion, the stress usually falls on the syllable _______ -tion.
3. When counting syllables, remember that each syllable must contain a _______ sound.