Which poetic foot consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable?

The correct choice is indeed the iamb, which is a fundamental unit in meter known as a poetic foot. An iamb is characterized by its specific pattern: it begins with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This rhythmic cadence is commonly found in English poetry and is especially prominent in iambic pentameter, a meter famously used by Shakespeare and other poets.

In contrast, the other choices represent different patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables. A trochee consists of a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed one, creating a contrasting rhythm. A dactyl features a stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables, while an anapest consists of two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for analyzing the rhythm and meter in poetry, as each foot contributes differently to the overall sound and feel of a poem.