Many exam candidates lose marks in Use of English not because the questions are hard, but because they don’t understand word stress.
The good news is that stress questions are actually very easy once you understand the basic patterns. In fact, exam repeats the same rules almost every year.
In this guide, I will explain everything in a very simple way, like I’m teaching a friend who is just starting.
What is Word Stress?
Word stress means the part of a word you pronounce more strongly than the others.
Every word has one part that is louder or stronger when you say it.
Examples:
- TA-ble (not ta-BLE)
- DOC-tor (not doc-TOR)
The stressed part is the one that sounds more powerful.
1. Two-Syllable Nouns and Adjectives
For most words with two syllables (like nouns and adjectives), stress is on the first part.
Examples:
- TA-ble
- WIN-dow
- HAP-py
- CLE-ver
Just stress the first part.
2. Two-Syllable Verbs
For verbs with two syllables, stress is usually on the second part.
Examples:
- be-GIN
- re-LAX
- for-GET
- a-RRIVE
For verbs, stress the second part.
3. Words Ending in -tion, -sion, -ture, -sure
These words are very common in JAMB.
Stress the syllable just before the ending
Examples:
- edu-ca-TION
- in-for-MA-tion
- dis-CUS-sion
- pic-TURE
- plea-SURE
Easy trick: ignore the ending and stress the part before it.
4. Words Ending in -ic and -ian
Stress is usually on the syllable just before the ending.
Examples:
- geo-GRA-phic
- eco-NO-mic
- mu-SI-cian
5. Words Ending in -ity, -phy, -gy, -cy
For these words, stress is usually three syllables from the end.
Examples:
- e-LEC-tri-ci-ty
- pho-TO-gra-phy
- bi-O-lo-gy
- de-MO-cra-cy
These ones need a bit more attention, but they follow a pattern.
6. Words Ending in -ary, -ery, -ory
Many of these words are stressed on the first part.
Examples:
- CAT-e-go-ry
- DIC-tion-ar-y
- JAN-u-ar-y
- SEC-re-tar-y
7. Prefix Rule
When a word has a prefix (like un-, re-, dis-), do not stress the prefix.
Examples:
- un-HAP-py
- re-WRITE
- dis-a-GREE
- a-SLEEP
Focus on the main word, not the prefix.
8. Compound Nouns
For words made of two words joined together, stress the first word.
Examples:
- BLACKboard
- POSToffice
- GREENhouse
9. Compound Verbs
For compound verbs, stress the second part.
Examples:
- under-STAND
- over-FLOW
- inter-RUPT
10. Numbers (13–19 vs Tens)
This is a common JAMB trick.
13–19 → stress the last part
20, 30, 40, etc. → stress the first part
Examples:
- thir-TEEN vs THIR-ty
- four-TEEN vs FOR-ty
Simple Exam Trick (Very Important)
If you are confused in the exam:
- Say the word softly in your mind
- Listen for the part that sounds strongest
- Choose the option that sounds natural
- Most times, your ear will guide you correctly.
Final Advice
Word stress is not about memorizing too much. It is about recognizing patterns.
If you practice these rules with past questions, you will start seeing the same patterns again and again in JAMB.
Conclusion
English stress is one of the easiest topics in JAMB Use of English once you understand the basic rules. Instead of guessing, you now have clear patterns to follow.
With this guide, you can confidently answer stress questions and secure easy marks in your exam.
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