Introduction: Emphatic stress plays a crucial role in sentences, serving to compare, connect, or clarify ideas. Typically, it singles out the most important word, sometimes even emphasizing function words.
Definition: Emphatic stress involves placing articulatory prominence or emphasis on a specific word within a sentence. In exams, questions on emphatic stress often present interrogative sentences with options. The correct answer contradicts the emphasized word.
Example 1: Sentence: John’s watch is made of GOLD. Emphatic Stress: On the word 'gold.' Options: (a) Is John’s watch made of silver? (b) Whose watch is made of gold? (c) What is made of gold? (d) Is John’s necklace made of gold?
Correct Answer: Option [A]
Example 2: Sentence: Last week’s football was very EXCITING. Options: (a) Was yesterday’s football match very exciting? (b) Was last week’s tennis match very exciting? (c) Was last week’s football match very dull? (d) Was last week’s football training very exciting?
Correct Answer: Option [C]
Example 3: Sentence: She WORKS at the hospital. Options: (a) Who works at the hospital? (b) Where does she work? (c) Does she work at the hospital? (d) What does she do at the hospital?
Correct Answer: Option [D]
Conclusion: Understanding emphatic stress is vital for interpreting and responding to questions effectively. It enhances communication by emphasizing key elements in a sentence.