For the question, choose the most appropriate stress pattern from the options. The stressed syllables are written in capital letters. similarly

Analysis

The question asks for the correct stress pattern of the word "similarly". In English phonetics, stress refers to the emphasis placed on a particular syllable within a word.

Concept Explanation

To determine the stress pattern of a word, we look at its syllable structure:

1. Break the word into syllables: The word "similarly" is broken down as: sim-i-lar-ly.
2. Identify the primary stress: In English, words ending in the suffix "-ly" often retain the stress of the root word. The root word is "similar."
3. Apply the rule: For "similar," the primary stress falls on the first syllable (SIM-i-lar). When we add the suffix "-ly" to form "similarly," the primary stress remains on that first syllable.

Step-by-Step Solution

• Word: Similarly
• Syllabification: SIM - i - lar - ly
• Stress Placement: The emphasis is on the first syllable, "SIM".
• Evaluation of Options: • A. simiLARly (Incorrect: stresses the third syllable) • B. simlarLY (Incorrect: stresses the last syllable) • C. SImilarly (Correct: stresses the first syllable) • D. siMIlarly (Incorrect: stresses the second syllable)

Exam Tip

When dealing with stress patterns in JAMB English, try saying the word out loud in a sentence. The syllable that feels "naturally" louder or longer is usually the stressed one. Also, remember that for many words ending in suffixes like -ly, -ness, or -ment, the stress often stays on the root word's stressed syllable.