1. Are you all stressed out about speaking English??? BPL-ESL November 14, 2014

2. Don’t be… here are a few tips to help you out Just remember native English speakers emphasize one syllable, which means we say one syllable a little louder than the other syllables. Why? Because it is part on the language

3. But, where do you put the stress? The rules can be complicated, so probably the best way to learn is from experience and practice Try to listen carefully to spoken English and try to develop a feeling for the “music” of the language.

4. Basic rule #1 With most nouns and adjectives with 2 syllables, the stress is on the first syllable Examples: PROgressSLENder PRESentCLEVer TAbleINcrease

5. Basic rule #2 With most verbs with 2 syllables, the stress is on the last syllable Examples to exPORT to deCIDE to beGIN

6. Basic rule #3 Words ending in –tion, -sion, -cian are usually stressed on the second to last syllable Examples demonsTRAtionperMISsion eduCAtionmuSIcian concenTRAtion

7. Basic rule #4 Words ending in –ic are usually stressed on the second to last syllable Examples ecoNOMicacaDEMic geoGRAPHicdraMATic straTEGic

8. Basic rule #5 Words ending in –ee or –oo are usually stressed on the last syllable Examples employEEshampOO guarantEEtattOO degrEE

9. Let’s review and practice!