Say It Softly

Worksheet Description

This Word Stress worksheet is focused on teaching students how the stress pattern of a word can indicate its part of speech—noun or verb. The worksheet lists words that can function as both nouns and verbs, such as “present” and “record”, with the stressed syllable underlined in each. Students are instructed to say the words out loud, paying attention to the stress pattern, and then write sentences using each word correctly according to the stress indicated. The underlying concept is that the position of stress can change the meaning and function of a word in English.

The worksheet is intended to teach students the concept of stress shifting between nouns and verbs in English words that have the same spelling. It helps students understand that the stress placement on the first syllable typically signals a noun, while stress on the second syllable indicates a verb. This knowledge will enhance students’ spoken English by helping them to pronounce words correctly according to their function in a sentence. Additionally, it aids in improving their listening skills, as they become more attuned to the significance of stress patterns in speech comprehension.