Prefixes And Word Stress English Exercises: Level A2-B1 (with Answers)

⏱ Time: 07:30 📝 Questions: 15 📊 Level: A2, B1 📚 Type: General English ⭐ XP: up to +15 (on pass)

Track your Prefixes And Word Stress progress with 15 exercises at Level A2-B1. Take the quiz today, note your score, and retake it next week to see how much you have improved. Every question includes a full explanation so each attempt teaches you something new.

⏱ You have 07:30 to answer 15 questions. The timer only starts when you click Begin.

Q1  15
Q1 15

Question 1: In the word 'unkind,' the syllable 'kind' is pronounced more strongly than 'un.' What is this an example of?

Question 1 options
When one syllable in a word is pronounced more strongly than the others, this is called word stress. In 'unkind,' the stress falls on the root word 'kind,' not on the prefix 'un-.'
Q2 15

Question 2: When writing about pronunciation, the stress in 'dislike' falls on the ___ of the word.

Question 2 options
In 'dislike,' the stress falls on the root part 'like,' not on the prefix 'dis-.' In most prefixed words, the root word keeps the main stress.
Q3 15

Question 3: When a prefix is added to a word, the main stress usually stays on the root word.

Question 3 options
This is true. In most cases, adding a prefix does not change where the main stress falls. For example, 'happy' has stress on 'hap,' and 'unhappy' still has stress on 'hap.'
Q4 15

Question 4: Which sentence correctly describes stress placement in a prefixed word?

Question 4 options
In 'rebuild,' the main stress falls on the root word 'build,' not on the prefix 're-.' This follows the general rule that prefixes are usually unstressed.
Q5 15

Question 5: Match each prefix to its meaning.

Question 5 options
un-
re-
mis-
pre-
wrongly or badly
before
not or reverse
again or back

Select an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.

The prefix 'un-' means 'not,' 're-' means 'again,' 'mis-' means 'wrongly,' and 'pre-' means 'before.' These are common prefixes that usually do not change the main stress of the root word.
Q6 15

Question 6: Which sentence has a spelling error related to a prefix?

Question 6 options
The correct spelling is 'impossible,' not 'inpossible.' The prefix 'im-' is used before words starting with 'p' or 'b,' while 'in-' is used before other consonants.
Q7 15

Question 7: When explaining pronunciation in a study guide, which is the best way to show stress in 'uncertain'? The word is written as ___.

Question 7 options
The notation 'unˈcertain' correctly uses the stress mark (ˈ) before the stressed syllable 'cer.' This is the standard dictionary method for showing word stress.
Q8 15

Question 8: A student wrote: 'The prefix over- in overcook carries the main stress.' Which option correctly fixes this error?

Question 8 options
In 'overcook,' the main stress falls on the root 'cook,' not on the prefix 'over-.' The corrected sentence explains that the root word keeps the stress.
Q9 15

Question 9: Arrange the parts in the correct order to explain how a prefix changes a word's meaning.

Question 9 options
  • It means 'to not agree.'
  • Add 'dis-' to the root word 'agree.'
  • The new word is 'disagree.'
  • The prefix 'dis-' means 'not' or 'opposite.'

Drag items or use arrows to arrange them in the correct order.

A clear explanation of prefixes follows this order: first identify the prefix, then show it being added to the root word, then give the new word, and finally state the new meaning.
Q10 15

Question 10: You are writing a short pronunciation guide for classmates. Which sentence is most appropriate to explain stress in the word 'indirect'?

Question 10 options
The option about stress falling on the root part 'rect' is clear, accurate, and uses simple language suitable for a classmate pronunciation guide. It correctly identifies that the prefix is unstressed.
Q11 15

Question 11: What is the difference between how stress works in 'unhappy' and 'subway'?

Question 11 options
In 'unhappy,' the prefix 'un-' is unstressed and the root 'happy' keeps the stress. In 'subway,' the prefix 'sub-' carries the main stress. This shows that compound or borrowed words can be exceptions to the usual rule.
Q12 15

Question 12: Which version is most appropriate for a formal classroom presentation about prefixes?

Question 12 options
The option beginning with 'The prefix mis- indicates...' uses formal, academic language appropriate for a classroom presentation. The other options are too casual or imprecise for a formal setting.
Q13 15

Question 13: Prefixes always remain unstressed in every English word, with no exceptions.

Question 13 options
This is false. While most prefixes are unstressed, there are exceptions. In some compound or borrowed words like 'subway,' the prefix carries the main stress. Speakers may also stress a prefix for emphasis or contrast.
Q14 15

Question 14: A writer stresses the prefix in 'I said REdo it, not just do it.' Why does the writer stress the prefix 're-' here?

Question 14 options
The prefix 're-' is stressed here to create contrast between 'redo' and 'do.' This emphasis helps the reader understand that the speaker is correcting a misunderstanding by highlighting the difference.
Q15 15

Question 15: A student wrote: 'When you add un to a word like clear, the stress moves to the prefix un.' Which is the best improved version?

Question 15 options
The improved version correctly states that the stress stays on the root word 'clear' and properly hyphenates the prefix 'un-.' This follows the general rule that adding a prefix does not move the main stress.