Joy English · Level B1 · Pronunciationjoy-english.com
Sentence stress
Name:Date:
Learn which words carry the stress when a speaker shows contrast or new information.
Listen to each sentence and write what you hear.
Audio and answer checking: https://joy-english.com/listening-lessons/sentence-stress
Words to know
- contrast
- A clear difference between two things.
- content word
- A word that carries meaning, such as a noun or a verb.
- rhythm
- A regular pattern of strong and weak sounds.
Answer key
- I want a cup of coffee, not tea.In natural speech, “coffee” and “tea” are stressed to show the contrast.
- She didn't take the bus, she walked.In natural speech, “bus” and “walked” are stressed.
- We're meeting at the cinema, not the restaurant.In natural speech, “cinema” and “restaurant” carry the stress.
- It was my brother who called you.In natural speech, “brother” is stressed to show who it was.
- The important thing is to keep trying.In natural speech, “important” and “trying” are stressed.