im upset with stressed syllables help

You can tell which syllables are to be stressed in two ways:

1. In pronunciation -- if the word is pronounced correctly, the stressed syllable will be said a bit more loudly than the others.

EM pha sis
fa MIL iar

2. In the dictionary -- each word should be divided into syllables and the stressed syllable will have an accent mark after it or over the vowel.

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/emphasis

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/familiar

(There are some words with more than 3 or 4 syllables in which there will be primary stressed syllables and secondary stressed syllables. You should be able to hear them clearly AND you should be able to find them in dictionaries, too.)

what is a stress mark

I understand that you're feeling upset about stressed syllables. Stress in language refers to emphasis placed on certain syllables or words when speaking or pronouncing them. In English, stressed syllables are usually louder, longer, and higher in pitch compared to unstressed syllables. If you're having difficulty with identifying or pronouncing stressed syllables, here are a few tips to help you:

1. Understand syllables: A syllable is a unit of sound that makes up a word. Each syllable typically contains one vowel sound, either alone or combined with consonant sounds. For example, the word "happy" has two syllables: hap-py.

2. Identify stress patterns: English words can have different stress patterns, depending on their meaning and part of speech. For instance, in two-syllable nouns, adjectives, and adverbs, the stress is usually on the first syllable (e.g., "table," "happy," "quickly"). However, in two-syllable verbs, the stress typically falls on the second syllable (e.g., "re-LEASE," "be-GIN").

3. Utilize dictionaries: Online dictionaries, such as Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary, provide stress markers for words. These markers indicate which syllables are stressed by using symbols like ' (for primary stress) and ˌ (for secondary stress). Pronunciation guides in dictionaries can be valuable resources for learning stressed syllables.

4. Listen and practice: One effective way to improve your understanding of stressed syllables is by listening to native English speakers or audio recordings. Pay attention to the way they emphasize certain syllables in words. Practice repeating those words aloud and try to imitate the stress patterns you hear.

5. Explore rhythm and intonation: English is a stress-timed language, meaning stressed syllables occur at regular intervals, creating a rhythm. Become aware of the overall rhythm and intonation patterns of English speech to better grasp where stressed syllables fall.

Remember, learning stress patterns in English may take time and practice. Don't be too hard on yourself, as it's a common challenge for non-native speakers. By putting in consistent effort, actively listening, and practicing pronunciation, you'll gradually develop a stronger understanding and command of stressed syllables.