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Intonation Patterns in Questions

The document consists of exercises related to intonation patterns in English, including multiple-choice questions, yes/no questions, gap filling, and analysis of tone groups. It covers various intonation uses such as commands, questions, and expressions of certainty or doubt. The exercises aim to enhance understanding of how intonation affects meaning in spoken language.

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Linh Chi
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
67 views7 pages

Intonation Patterns in Questions

The document consists of exercises related to intonation patterns in English, including multiple-choice questions, yes/no questions, gap filling, and analysis of tone groups. It covers various intonation uses such as commands, questions, and expressions of certainty or doubt. The exercises aim to enhance understanding of how intonation affects meaning in spoken language.

Uploaded by

Linh Chi
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Intonation Questions

Part A. Multiple Choice


1. Which intonation pattern is typical for a firm command?

• a) Falling

• b) Rising

• c) Take off

• d) Dive

2. Which tune is usually used in yes/no questions?

• a) Falling

• b) Rising

• c) Falling-rising

• d) Level

3. Which intonation pattern shows hesitation or partial agreement?

• a) Falling

• b) Rising

• c) Take off

• d) Dive

4. When giving news facts, which tune is most natural?

• a) Falling

• b) Rising

• c) Dive
• d) Take off

5. Which tune begins at low pitch, runs level, and ends with a rise?

• a) Glide down

• b) Glide up

• c) Take off

• d) Dive

6. “Are you coming with us tomorrow?” → Which tune?

• a) Rising

• b) Falling

• c) Dive

• d) Take off

7. “I think he might be right, but I’m not sure.” → Which tune?

• a) Falling

• b) Rising

• c) Dive

• d) Take off

8. “Please close the window.” → Which tune?

• a) Falling

• b) Rising

• c) Take off

• d) Dive

9. “Would you like some more tea?” → Which tune?


• a) Falling

• b) Rising

• c) Dive

• d) Take off

10. “I didn’t expect him so early in the morning.” → Which tune?

• a) Falling

• b) Rising

• c) Take off

• d) Dive

11. Which tune is often used to soften excuses or justifications?

• a) Falling

• b) Rising

• c) Dive

• d) Take off

12. Which tune is most suitable for showing real certainty?

• a) Falling

• b) Rising

• c) Dive

• d) Take off

13. “She might come if she finishes her work.” → Which tune?

• a) Falling

• b) Rising
• c) Dive

• d) Take off

14. “The plane landed at 6 o’clock.” → Which tune?

• a) Falling

• b) Rising

• c) Dive

• d) Take off

15. “I was only trying to help.” → Which tune?

• a) Falling

• b) Rising

• c) Dive

• d) Take off

Part B. Yes/No Questions


16. Falling tune is normally used for wh-questions. (Yes/No)

17. Rising tune is often used to show politeness in requests. (Yes/No)

18. The dive indicates absolute certainty. (Yes/No)

19. Take off always starts at a high pitch. (Yes/No)

20. Falling tune often signals completion or finality. (Yes/No)

Part C. Gap Filling


21. A command like “Sit down immediately” usually takes a ______ tune.

22. A polite request such as “Could you open the door, please?” often uses a
______ tune.
23. A doubtful statement like “I think she might join us” is best said with a ______
tune.

24. News reports such as “The meeting started at 9 a.m.” are usually delivered
with a ______ tune.

25. An explanation like “I was only trying to explain” often takes the ______ tune.

26. A yes/no question like “Is this your book?” requires a ______ tune.

27. A reserved agreement such as “I may agree with you” is expressed with a
______ tune.

28. “The shop closes at 10 p.m.” → This sentence needs a ______ tune.

29. When you want to sound friendly in asking: “Can I join you?” → You use a
______ tune.

30. A partial acceptance like “You could be right, but I doubt it” → This fits a
______ tune.

For each of the following sentences, identify


a. the number of tone group(s)
b. the tonic syllable(s) in each tone group
c. the intonation patterns of each tone group
[Link] went to a movie last night.
(topic of conversation: last night's activities)
[Link] went to a movie last night.
(topic: going to movies)
[Link] we see a movie tonight?
(topic of conversation: doing something tonight)
[Link] we see the movie tonight?
(topic of conversation: when we are seeing a movie)
[Link] we see the movie tonight, or tomorrow?
(two yes/no questions)
[Link] we see the movie tonight, or tomorrow?
(alternative question)
[Link] could see a movie tonight or go out for ice cream.
[Link] could visit a museum this afternoon or go to the zoo tomorrow.
[Link] could go to a movie, couldn't we?
[Link] should we go to a movie?
[Link] should we go to a movie?
(topic of conversation: our going to a movie)
[Link] liked that movie, didn't you?
(tag expressing real question)
[Link] liked that movie, didn't you?
(tag eliciting confirmation)

Using the rules, mark the intonation of each word


group in the conversation
A; Can you recommend somewhere for a holiday?

B; What an odd coincidence! I was just going to tell you about our holiday!

A: Really? Where did you go? The South of France again?

B: No, this time we went to Ireland!

A: Oh, you went to Ireland, did you? You were thinking about it the last
time we met.

B: Oh yes, I mentioned it to you, didn't I?

A: You were thinking of Belfast, weren't you?

B: Dublin. But we didn't go there in the end.

A: Didn’t you? Where did you go?

B: Where? To Galway.

A: That’s on the West coast, isn't it? Was the weather good?
B: Reasonably good.

A: Tell me about the prices there, would you?

B: They weren't too bad. You should go there and try it. But you ought to
go soon. Summer's nearly over!

A: It isn't over yet. But thank you very much for your advice.

B: Good luck. Have a good time.

A: Thank you. Goodbye.

Common questions

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A rising or falling-rising intonation pattern is typically used to express doubt or uncertainty. These patterns convey an open-ended quality that suggests the speaker is unsure or questioning their own statement. Such intonation encourages listener engagement and reflects the speaker's desire for clarification or confirmation, influencing how the statement is understood in terms of confidence and expectation .

A falling-rising intonation pattern is often used to express hesitation, partial agreement, or a reserved attitude. This pattern conveys nuance in meaning by indicating that the speaker's attitude is not straightforward, suggesting subtlety or complexity in their stance .

Firm commands usually take a falling intonation pattern. This pattern is appropriate for commands as it signals finality and authority, making the directive clear and unequivocal .

The 'take off' intonation pattern begins at a low pitch, continues with a level intonation, and ends with a rise. This pattern is distinct from simpler rising or falling patterns as it indicates a build-up in intensity or anticipation, often used in situations that imply an upcoming action or decision .

Reserved agreements often employ a falling-rising intonation pattern, which signals tentativeness or partial concurrence. This usage effectively communicates a non-committal stance or a degree of doubt, allowing the speaker to express agreement without full endorsement. It encourages further discussion by leaving room for additional input and consideration .

Tag questions can take on different meanings based on intonation patterns. With a rising intonation, they can indicate a genuine question or uncertainty, inviting confirmation or response. Conversely, a falling intonation may suggest the speaker expects agreement, indicating confidence in their statement. These variations impact listener interpretation by signaling the speaker's certainty or expectation of agreement .

The rising tune is considered natural for yes/no questions as it reflects an open-endedness seeking confirmation or additional input. This pattern functions in interaction by inviting the listener to participate, thus encouraging dialogue .

A rising intonation pattern is often used in polite requests, as it helps to soften the request and make it sound more friendly and less demanding. This use of intonation can affect communication by creating a more amiable and cooperative atmosphere between interlocutors .

Partial acceptance uses a falling-rising intonation to express tentative acknowledgment, conveying a sense of doubt or incompleteness in agreement. This pattern allows the speaker to accept an idea while signaling reservations. Different intonation patterns vary in emphasizing acceptance or reservation, influencing how the sentiment is perceived by the listener .

In news reporting, a falling intonation is used to convey facts with certainty and finality, making statements sound conclusive and authoritative. This pattern is preferred because it reassures the listener of the reliability and completeness of the information being presented .

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