Choose the option that has a different stress pattern from the others.
A
competent
B
represent
C
syllables
D
quality
Verified Correct Answer: B.
Grammar & Contextual Explanation
Competent - /ˈkɒm.pɪ.tənt/
Represent - /ˌrep.rɪˈzent/
Syllables - /ˈsɪl.ə.bəlz/
Quality - /ˈkwɒl.ə.ti/
In English, stress is usually placed on the first syllable for nouns and adjectives, while it is placed on the last syllable for verbs. However, if there is a weak vowel in the syllable, the stress moves to the next syllable.
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #12075)