How to write poetry: word stress and syllables
Hi there! Welcome back. In this session, we’re going to learn about word stress and syllables. This technique will help you to write more rhythmical, lyrical poetry, so it’s a great thing to know about.
Basically, all words have syllables (one, two, three, etc.) and all words have a natural stress. The stress is a loud sound you can hear when you speak the word.
For example, my name is Sophie. Sophie contains two syllables, but the first one is said louder than the second.
Sophie Oo
Let’s try some more words. How about apple, volcano, geography and contempt…
- a) How many syllables does apple have?
Apple has two syllables. Where is the stress? Say it out loud and see if you can hear it.
apple (The stress is on the first syllable) We could symbolise it like this: Oo
- b) What about volcano?
Volcano has three syllables. Where is the stress?
volcano (the stress is on the second syllable) We could symbolise it like this: oOo
- c) What about geography?
Geography has four syllables. Where is the stress?
geography (the stress is on the second syllable) We could symbolise it like this: oOoo
- d) What about contempt?
Contempt has two syllables. Where is the stress?
contempt (the stress is on the second syllable) We could symbolise it like this: oO
Did you find this easy? If not, try to work out where the stress is on these words and then check the answer-key.
paper, calendar, icing, water, Japan, Sydney, beautiful, exquisite, dangerous, pity, emerald
Answers:
paper Oo calendar Ooo icing Oo water Oo Japan oO Sydney Oo
beautiful Ooo exquisite oOo dangerous Ooo pity Oo emerald Oo
