Short Answer 
English syllables consist of specific structures, primarily involving combinations of consonants and vowels, with common types including CV, VC, CVC, CCV, and CVCC. Stressed syllables are characterized by higher pitch, louder volume, longer duration, and distinct vowel quality, and stress prediction can be approached through rule-based, lexical, or prosodic hierarchy methods.
Syllable Structures in English
English syllables are built around specific structures, often containing a vowel sound alongside consonants. The most common types of syllable structures are:
- CV (Consonant-Vowel) – e.g., ‘be’
- VC (Vowel-Consonant) – e.g., ‘at’
- CVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant) – e.g., ‘cat’
- CCV (Consonant-Consonant-Vowel) – e.g., ‘bra’
- CVCC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant-Consonant) – e.g., ‘dusk’
Perceptual Qualities of a Stressed Syllable
A stressed syllable in English has distinctive qualities that make it stand out in speech. These qualities are:
- Higher Pitch – Stressed syllables are pronounced at a higher pitch.
- Louder Volume – They are articulated more loudly compared to unstressed syllables.
- Longer Duration – Stressed syllables take more time to say, making them longer.
- Distinct Vowel Quality – Vowels in stressed syllables are clearer and more pronounced.
Approaches to Stress Prediction
Predicting where stress falls in words can be done through various methods:
- Rule-Based Approach – Uses phonological rules to anticipate stress patterns.
- Lexical Approach – Involves memorizing stress patterns based on vocabulary exposure.
- Prosodic Hierarchy Approach – Focuses on stress prediction based on speech hierarchy and intonation.