lf-Assessment Questions (SAQs) -3

Read the passage given below , identify the words which will be stressed in the connected speech
and write them in the space provided. Then in each of these words markthe syllable which will be
stressed.You can refer a Pronouncing dictionary .
Mullah Nasruddin
The villagers once noticed Mullah Nasruddin running towards them and he seemed very excited .
'Believe it or not . I have some excellent news today ,' Nasruddin said breathlessly.
'What is it ?' the villagers asked skeptically .
'Well , I met the king today and he spoke to me !' Mullah revealed .
The villagers were suddenly impressed : 'Thats really great !And what did the king tell you ?'
'Well, the king seemed to be in a great hurry and couldnt spend much time with me .
But he said : Get out of my way , you stupid fool !' revealed Nasruddin.
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Discussion
You must have noticed that the words which are stressed are actually essential for meaning making.
If you are able to identify them in a conversation , then , you will be able derive the meaning of the
conversation as well as communicate your ideas without the chance of being mis understood.
Read this passage aloud , taking care of words which should be stressed.

Functional Words

Functional words or Structural words are those words in a sentence which are not stressed and are
uttered quickly . These are the words which you find difficult to follow while listening to English songs
and dialogues. This category of words includes :

Articles
such as a , an , the
Auxiliary Verbs
such as may , can , should
Conjunctions
such as and , as soon as , but
Prepositions
such as on, above , under
Personal Pronouns
such as I , you , he , she
Relative Pronouns
such as his , him, their and
Determiners
such as some , many , that , these

If you need more practice in

content and functional
words ,check this
link ContentnFunctionalwords