Speaking: Pronunciation Word Stress and Intonation
Word stress and intonation is the A2–B1 pronunciation skill that distinguishes natural English from translated-sounding English. The worksheet covers the basics: stress placement in two- and three-syllable words (PHOtograph, phoTOGrapher), sentence stress patterns (content words stressed, function words weak), and basic intonation contours (rising for yes/no questions, falling for statements). Learners build the suprasegmental fluency every Cambridge Speaking task assesses.
This worksheet builds A2–B1 speaking fluency with word stress and intonation.
Worksheet preview
What’s inside:
- Reference tables for word-stress patterns and intonation contours
- Listening-and-marking drills: identify stress placement in heard words
- Production drills: read aloud sentences with marked stress
- Pair work: shadowing exercises with audio model
- Teacher Notes with pronunciation drilling guidance
Common challenges: L1 stress patterns transfer — Spanish second-to-last stress, French final stress, German first-syllable preference. English stress is unpredictable and must be learned per word. Sentence stress is rhythm-based, not word-based — function words weaken.
For: Adult and teenage learners (14+) at CEFR A2–B1, in pre-intermediate and intermediate classes, 1:1 lessons, or self-study. Supports Cambridge A2 Key (KET) through C2 Proficiency (CPE) Speaking. Part of the Pronunciation collection — the natural next step is Pronunciation: ed Endings.
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