In the following question, the main/primary stress is indicated by writing the syllable on which it occurs in…

Question analysis: You are asked to find the correct primary stress position in the word "manipulate".

Concept: In English, verbs ending in -ate with three or more syllables usually have the primary stress on the third syllable from the end (the antepenultimate syllable). Examples: CEL-e-brate, DEM-on-strate, ed-u-cate (ED-u-cate), de-VEL-op (an exception), ma-NIP-u-late.

Step by step:

1. Break the word into syllables: ma – nip – u – late (4 syllables).
2. Note that the options split it as man-ni-pu-late, which is a slightly different division of the same sounds (the "n" and "p" are shared between syllables), but the stressed part is the same.
3. Pronounce it: /məˈnɪpjʊleɪt/. The stress falls on the second syllable, -NIP- (the "ni" part).
4. Check the options: • A. MA-ni-pu-late: stress on the first syllable. Wrong. • B. man-NI-pu-late: stress on the "ni" syllable. Correct. • C. man-ni-PU-late: stress on the "pu" syllable. Wrong. • D. man-ni-pu-LATE: stress on the last syllable. Wrong.

**Answer: B.

Tip: For many words ending in -ate, put the stress two syllables before the -ate ending: ma-NIP-u-late, CEL-e-brate, in-VES-ti-gate (stress shifts by pattern). Say the word aloud and tap on the beat. The strongest beat in "manipulate" is on NIP.