Choose the word stressed on the second syllable.

**The reasoning** Stress in English means which syllable gets the emphasis when you pronounce a word. Let's break down each option by syllables: - **TAble** = TA-ble (2 syllables) — stress on the **first** syllable: **TA**-ble - **preFER** = pre-FER (2 syllables) — stress on the **second** syllable: pre-**FER** - **HAPpy** = HAP-py (2 syllables) — stress on the **first** syllable: **HAP**-py - **WAter** = WA-ter (2 syllables) — stress on the **first** syllable: **WA**-ter Only **preFER** puts the emphasis on its second syllable. Say it aloud: you naturally say pre-**FER**, not **PRE**-fer. **Why the wrong options tempt you** All four words have two syllables, so students might rush and pick any without actually *saying* them. The trap is assuming common nouns like "table" and "water" could have second-syllable stress — but in English, most two-syllable nouns stress the first syllable, while many **verbs** (like prefer, begin, repeat) stress the second. **Quick takeaway** Say the word aloud before choosing — your ear will tell you where the **LOUD** part naturally falls.