In the following options lettered A to D, all the words except on have the same stress pattern. identify the one with the different stress pattern.

Analyze the question: Three words share the same stress pattern, and one is different. We need to find the odd one out.

Concept: In English, stress falls on a particular syllable. Many words beginning with a prefix like a- have weak first syllables, so stress falls later. Check each word:

• attention = a-TTEN-tion → stress on the 2nd syllable (/əˈten.ʃən/)
• amplify = AM-pli-fy → stress on the 1st syllable (/ˈæm.plɪ.faɪ/)
• alluring = a-LLUR-ing → stress on the 2nd syllable (/əˈlʊə.rɪŋ/)
• important = im-POR-tant → stress on the 2nd syllable (/ɪmˈpɔː.tənt/)

Result:

• A, C and D all have stress on the second syllable.
• B (amplify) has stress on the first syllable.

Correct answer: B. amplify

Tip: For stress questions, quickly say each word aloud and tap on the louder syllable. Words ending in -fy (like amplify, classify, justify) usually stress the first syllable in 3-syllable forms. Words starting with a weak a- (like attention, alluring, away) usually stress the second syllable.