Choose the appropriate stress pattern from the options.The stressed words are in capital letter(s) Fluency

Analyze the question: You are asked to identify where the main stress falls in the word "fluency" (written flu-en-cy, 3 syllables).

Explain the concept: In English, one syllable in a word carries the primary stress, so it is said with more force, length and pitch. For many words ending in -cy, the stress usually falls early in the word, on the first syllable, as in:

• CON-stan-cy
• AG-en-cy
• EM-er-gen-cy
• CUR-ren-cy

Solution:

1. Break the word into syllables: flu / en / cy
2. Say it naturally: /ˈfluːənsi/. The strong, long sound is the first syllable, "FLU".
3. The second syllable "en" is weak (it is reduced to a schwa-like sound /ən/), and the final "cy" is also unstressed, with only a light /i/ sound.
4. So the stress pattern is FLU-en-cy.

Checking the options:

• A. flu-EN-cy: stress on the second syllable, which is wrong.
• B. flu-en-CY: stress on the last syllable, which is wrong.
• C. flu-en-cy: no stress shown at all, which is wrong.
• D. FLU-en-cy: stress on the first syllable, which is correct.

Correct answer: D. FLU-en-cy

Tip: For words ending in -cy (fluency, urgency, agency, currency), the stress usually falls on the first syllable. If you are unsure in the exam, say the word aloud and listen for the syllable that sounds strongest. Tapping the desk as you say it can help you find it.