From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that has the correct stress Criticism

Analyze the question: You are asked to pick the option that shows the correct primary stress in the word "criticism" (4 syllables: cri-ti-ci-sm).

Explain the concept: In English, words ending in -ism usually keep the stress of their base word. Stress is rarely placed on the suffix -ism itself. Also, for many three- or four-syllable nouns, the stress often falls on the first syllable (the antepenultimate pattern for the root).

Solution:

• The base word is critic /ˈkrɪtɪk/, which has stress on the first syllable: CRI-tic.
• Adding the suffix -ism does not shift the stress: CRI-ti-ci-sm /ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/.
• Checking the other options: • A (cri-ti-ci-SM): stress on the last syllable is wrong, since -ism never takes the stress. • B (cri-ti-CI-sm): stress on the third syllable is wrong. It would only fit if the stress moved for a suffix like -ity, which is not the case here. • C (cri-TI-ci-sm): stress on the second syllable is wrong. That is the pattern of "critique" (cri-TIQUE) and not of criticism. • D (CRI-ti-ci-sm): stress on the first syllable is correct.

Answer: D

Tip: Suffixes like -ism, -ist, -ing, -ness, -ly are "stress-neutral". Find the stress of the base word (critic → CRI-tic), and it stays put. Compare: CRI-tic → CRI-ti-cism, SO-cial → SO-cial-ism.