In the realm of writing, we often acknowledge the importance of grammar and punctuation marks, as they can significantly alter the meaning and context of a sentence. But does this principle also apply to speaking? The answer is a resounding yes! Surprisingly, the way we pronounce words and sentences, along with the pauses we take while speaking, plays a crucial role in conveying the intended message effectively.

This crucial aspect is known as ‘word stress,’ which refers to the emphasis placed on specific words or phrases within a sentence.

For example:

“Do you like pizza?”

Without any word stress, it becomes a plain statement, failing to emphasize any point. For instance, if you absolutely adore pizza, merely saying “I love pizza” might not adequately express your fondness. However, by stressing the word “love” as “I lovvvvve pizza,” the intensity of your affection becomes evident.

Clearly, the meaning of a sentence can transform with different word stresses:

1. “I love pizza.” (emphasizing the subject “I”)

2. “I love pizza.” (emphasizing the emotion “love”)

3. “I love pizza.” (emphasizing the object “pizza”)

This precise and clear way of speaking is referred to as “enunciation.” It ensures that words are pronounced in a manner that is easily understandable, concise, and lucid.

Let’s consider another example. If someone asks you about the weather and it’s scorching hot in your city:

The way you stress the words alters the meaning of the sentence:

1. “It is really hot here.” (emphasizing the adverb “really”)

2. “It is really hot here.” (emphasizing the adjective “hot”)

3. “It is really hot here.” (emphasizing the noun “here”)

How does this impact your IELTS band score?

Your fluency and clarity of speech are significantly influenced by how well you articulate your sentences. By emphasizing certain words in your responses during the speaking task, you can effectively convey your feelings. But how do you determine which words to stress?

Consider the following examples of likely questions from the examiner and the answers that depend on your opinions and preferences:

Sample question: Are you satisfied with your work?

Your response will vary depending on whether you agree or not. If you enjoy your work, you might say, “I lovvve my work” or “I realllyy like my work a lot.”

Sample question: What’s the most interesting part of your town/village?

Your answer is likely to be a descriptive account of a structure or activity in your village. For example, “We have this hugggee temple in our village, which is said to be one of the most ancient structures in our country” or “The people in my village nevvver close, latch or lock their doors, even during the nighttime.”

Now that you understand the importance of word stress, let’s explore ways to develop and improve this skill.

How to improve enunciation or word stress?

1. Slow and clear reading:

Practice reading articles from newspapers, books, or magazines slowly and clearly. Focus on pronunciation and enunciation, emphasizing the most important words in each sentence.

2. Focus on punctuation:

Listen to English news and watch English movies or shows to understand how to use pauses and breaks to clarify your speaking with proper punctuation.

3. Record yourself:

Record your speaking and listen to the clips. This will help you analyze your skills, identify mistakes, and determine areas for improvement.

4. Emote your speaking:

Use gestures and expressions while speaking to avoid sounding robotic. Proper gestures and emotions will enhance your speaking skills and contribute significantly to your speaking band score.

Lastly, an effective way to improve word stress is by actively listening to questions during the exam and responding by stressing words according to their importance. Train yourself well beforehand, so you feel confident and well-prepared in front of the examiner.